Artist makes his mark

GEORGE TOWN: Local artist Azmi Hussin created history yesterday when his feat of drawing 320 caricatures in 24 hours gained him an entry into the Malaysia Book of Records.

The 33-year-old became the first Malaysian to do so after working since Saturday morning on the sidewalk in front of Masjid Kapitan Keling.

He said he was very happy to have completed the project, that exceeded his target of 300 caricatures.

He was initially concerned about public support but as word spread, many came to the site.

“There was a huge crowd just after midnight,” said Azmi, who kept at it although he was tired.

“My hand started to shake at about 2am but I was determined to press on,” he said, adding he only ate dates and drank coffee throughout the duration.

Azmi said he hopes his success would raise recognition for caricature artists as they were under- represented although the authorities provides them with a licence to set up stalls along the sidewalks like in some European countries.

Azmi earlier received a certificate from Malaysia Book of Records Sdn Bhd Research and Marketing assistant manager Ayman Izzaz Mujab.

The presentation was witnessed by Penang Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow, who also had a caricature drawn.