THE Penang Housing Board (LPNPP) once again stood tall at the state-level 68th National Day Parade and March Past, emerging champion in two categories under the Public Sector Contingent.
The board bagged the Challenge Trophy and the Accompanying Cup at the celebration, which was held at the Batu Kawan Stadium this year.
LPNPP chief business officer Fakhrurrazi Ibnu Omar expressed pride in his team’s consistency.
“This was our third participation. The first time in 2023, we did not win anything. After that, we studied the concepts and discipline of previous champions and adopted a stricter training method.
“We tasted victory for the first time last year in two categories.
“I told my staff before that winning is one thing, but retaining the titles is a whole different challenge.
“Thank God, we managed to do it again this year, under a new coach,” he said during an exclusive interview with Buletin Mutiara at LPNPP’s office in Komtar on Sept 9.
Fakhrurrazi said the new coach, Corporal Mohamad Zairil Amer Azhar from the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Division at the Northeast District Police Headquarters, had instilled strong discipline and guided the team with a well-structured marching strategy.
In total, the contingent underwent about 15 hours of training, including full rehearsals, before the big day.
“This year, we trained only twice a week compared to three times last year due to our tight schedule. Still, the team gave their best.
“The training sessions were held at the Rooftop of Prangin Mall, which was an ideal location to gather participants and conduct the drills,” he explained.
The team’s theme for the parade was harmony, representing the country’s major races, including Sabah and Sarawak. A total of 47 staff took part, beginning training in early August.
“The weather was hot, but the team trained well. Out of our 90 staff, nearly half joined the parade, while others were assigned to manage our booth to attend to housing-related queries from the public,” Fakhrurrazi said.
He pointed out that the change of venue from Esplanade to Batu Kawan Stadium posed new challenges.
“The track at Batu Kawan Stadium is completely different. Participants had to march a longer distance, which required us to maintain consistency and stamina,” he said.
Fakhrurrazi also acknowledged the strong competition from both the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).
“Discipline in marching was our advantage, and I believe that gave us the edge,” he added.
For their achievement, the team brought home RM3,000 in cash prizes along with the trophies.
Fakhrurrazi stressed that teamwork and dedication were key to their success.
“Last year, we won the public sector marching champion title and the award for best attire. Next year will be even more challenging, but we hope to retain the titles once again,” he said.
Also present during the interview was LPNPP chief legal and enforcement officer Nadzifah Abd Rahim.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat