Shoppers fold their way into record book

A JOHOR Baru shopping centre has made its way into the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for its formation of the biggest Johor flag using origami.

Johor Baru City Square, in collaboration with the Malaysia Origami Academy, organised the origami exhibition in conjunction with its Japanese Art-Tastic Festival that was held between July 14 and 30.

Johor Baru City Square general manager CC Yeap said that apart from the exhibition that showcased some 70 types of origami crafts, shoppers and customers were also given the opportunity to learn origami skills and take part in the formation of the largest Johor flag using the wau merak origami.

“People of all ages and backgrounds came together to make the wau merak origami, which was later assembled to form the Johor flag.

“A total of 2,888 pieces of the wau merak origami were produced throughout the event,” he said during a certificate presentation ceremony.

The certificate was presented by MBR research analyst Siti Nurhanim Mohd Noh and MBR marketing solutions assistant manager Jeska Seah.

Yeap said the mall aimed to give more exposure to arts and craft through the initiative.

“Johor Baru City Square’s management is also proud to contribute RM1 for each wau merak origami to Shan De Johor Baru Welfare Centre.

“The contribution stands at RM2,888,” he said, adding that the children from the orphanage were also treated to a free movie sponsored by the MM Cineplexes after the event.

Yeap presented a mock cheque to Shan De Johor Baru vice-principal Jasmine Chia.

Also present at the event was Japan Embassy’s first secretary Daisuke Takahashi, Malaysia Origami Academy founder Kenneth Ch’ng, creator of the wau merak origami Cheong Chin Foong and MM Cineplexes regional marketing director Jason Teo.

Takahashi expressed thanks to Johor Baru City Square and the Malaysia Origami Academy for promoting the Japanese art of origami.

“It is wonderful to see the influence of origami art in Malaysia and how it has been integrated into the local culture,” he said.

Ch’ng said the wau merak was the official kite of Johor, which symbolised the state’s rich culture and diversity.

“We have come out with an origami design for the wau merak that can be easily learned.

“This means that anyone from beginners all the way up to experts can fold the wau merak origami,” he added.