The jam-packed ‘Karnival Segalanya Felda’ has added another attraction – the final of Euro 2024 that will see Spain taking on either England or the Netherlands on Monday morning, Malaysian time.
The carnival will be held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) in Selangor from July 12-14.
This was announced at the launch of the carnival’s theme song today at MAEPS, by Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) chairman, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
Dressed in an orange Felda polo shirt, Ahmad Shabery made no secret as to whom he would be supporting in tomorrow morning’s (3am) Euro 2024 semifinal – the Netherlands. Also known as ‘Oranje’, the Dutch side will take on England to see who will book a date with the Spaniards.
Spain qualified for the final after beating France 2-1 this morning.
Besides the football match, visitors to the carnival can catch a concert by two popular groups – Exists and Ungu – on July 14.
The carnival is also held in conjunction with Settlers’ Day (Hari Peneroka). Previously celebrated annually as a one-day affair, this is the first time Felda has turned it into a three-day celebration, with some 500,000 stakeholders and visitors expected to throng the venue.
Numerous programmes have been lined up across 12 fields, or clusters, during the carnival. They range from education to job opportunities, an FGV festival, talent shows, and food stalls.
“We want to showcase what Felda is about, and show that it is not just about palm oil or rubber,” said Ahmad Shabery.
“We also have a talent contest and will see the finalists battle it out in our ‘Feel Da Starz’ talent competition. Today’s launch of the theme song also paid tribute to Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, the father of Felda.”
The theme song was composed by Yabang Khalifah, who shares the vocals with Ayie Lantana.
Ayie is the son of a Felda settler from Bukit Bading in Terengganu.
“The words are meaningful, but my job was easy, as the chairman (Shabery Cheek), was the one who gave me pointers on what to write,” said Yabang.
“It only has 151 words, but each word has some connection to the great deeds and work of the Felda settlers, who are among the backbone of this great country.”
Ayie said he was happy to lend his vocals to the song as he is a proud Felda boy.
