Nearing 70, Lim Keeps His Village Alive with Chinese New Year Spirit
PORT DICKSON: Despite approaching his seventies, Lim Kee Yong continues to play a vital role in bringing festive cheer to Pekan Pengkalan Kempas during Chinese New Year.
At 69, Lim said his passion for decorating his surroundings remains as strong as ever, turning festive preparations into an annual tradition he deeply cherishes.
Weeks before the celebrations, he begins hanging lanterns, arranging colourful ornaments and painting murals on his shop walls based on the zodiac animal of the year.
“Last year it was the Snake, this year it’s the Horse. I repaint the wall every year to give it a fresh look,” he said.
Lim explained that he carries out the decorations voluntarily, without charging any fees, relying only on basic supplies provided by the village association.
Having lived in the area for more than 40 years, he said the combination of murals, lanterns and decorative plants has transformed the more than 200-year-old town into a lively and welcoming space.
“When the village looks beautiful, people come to take photos and enjoy the atmosphere. It brings new energy to the place,” he added.
Meanwhile, Pengkalan Kempas Cultural and Tourism Association chairman David Ng said around RM10,000 is spent annually to decorate the village during the festive season.
He said the funds come from public donations and community contributions.
“Festive periods bring residents back from the cities. The village becomes lively again and everyone reconnects,” he said.
Ng added that the beautification efforts are also important as Pengkalan Kempas is a popular destination for freshwater prawn fishing and local tourism.
Beyond improving the village’s appearance, the initiative has strengthened unity, cooperation and civic responsibility among residents, helping to maintain a peaceful and harmonious community.
-wilayah.com.my
