About 10,000 attend Penang Chief Minister’s Chinese New Year open house
GEORGE TOWN, Feb 17 — Around 10,000 people turned up to celebrate the Chinese New Year open house hosted by the Penang Chief Minister at the SPICE Arena in Bayan Lepas this afternoon.
The event was attended by Ramli Ngah Talib and his wife, as well as Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and his spouse. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong was also among the distinguished guests present.
Also in attendance were Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid and Jagdeep Singh Deo, former Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, state executive councillors, government officials, community leaders and members of the public.
The open house also attracted foreign visitors who joined locals in celebrating the festive occasion.
This year’s event was held on the first day of Chinese New Year, marking a change from previous years and allowing more people to participate in the celebration.
Chow said the turnout and atmosphere this year were more lively compared with previous editions, with various performances and entertainment programmes arranged for visitors.
He expressed hope that such events would continue to strengthen unity and mutual understanding among the state’s diverse communities.
“I hope celebrations like this will help foster unity and make Penang a model for harmony,” he said.
Meanwhile, a visitor, L Suresh, 44, said he was happy to attend the open house for the first time.
He said the event gave him the opportunity to enjoy cultural performances, taste festive food and learn more about the traditions of other communities.
He added that he hoped similar celebrations would continue to be organised in the future to bring people together.
-wilayah.com.my
