KANGAR: Retired soldier Major (Rtd) Wan Hashim Wan Ahmad and architect Kim Wong have developed collections of Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) airplane models in order to cultivate an appreciation for the struggle and sacrifice of the nation’s security heroes among young people.
Maj. (Rtd) Wan Hashim, aged 60, began exploring this hobby during his school days, which ultimately led him to join the Army in 1984. He recalled a pivotal moment in his adolescence when he used the money he received for caring for his grandfather’s treatment at Hospital Tuanku Fauziah to purchase a RM5 airplane model kit. Despite initial failures in assembling the model, he persevered and eventually succeeded. “From that success, I kept up the hobby (even) when I started serving in 1984,” he stated.
To date, Maj. (Rtd) Wan Hashim has assembled 80 models of military assets, including the CL-41G or “Tebuan,” the first fighter jet employed by the RMAF, as well as the A-4 Skyhawk. The cost of the kits he purchased ranged from RM200 to RM3,000. Simpler models took approximately a week to complete, while more intricate ones took up to five years due to their requirement of precise joints and accurate paint schemes to resemble RMAF fighter jets accurately.
Expressing his hope for the models to inspire the younger generation, Maj. (Rtd) Wan Hashim highlighted the importance of appreciating the struggle of national heroes who have safeguarded the sovereignty of the country for future generations. He also emphasized that the freedom and independence enjoyed today are invaluable and were attained through the blood, sweat, and tears of those in service.
Joining Maj. (Rtd) Wan Hashim in his passion for this hobby is architect Kim Wong, aged 63, who assembles fighter aircraft models not only as a pastime but also as a means to honor the sacrifices and battles of the country’s Air Force heroes. Wong mentioned that many, particularly young people, are captivated when they see these assembled fighter jet models. He takes advantage of these opportunities to educate them on how these heroes defend the country’s airspace and maintain its security and sovereignty.
Wong has currently completed 50 fighter aircraft models, including the MiG-29 and F-16. His aspiration is to establish a museum in Kangar to exhibit his aircraft models one day. The concept would be to showcase his models, particularly those from 1930 to 2003, in order to enlighten visitors about their historical significance.
– Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
