Raya fiesta to thank employees

Rozali (right) with the council secretary Rosnani Mahmod (standing, third right) chatting with staff members at the council Hari Raya open house at the MPSP headquarters in Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam. — Photos: MUSTAFA AHMAD/The Star

THE hard work and contributions of staff members and officers at the Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) were not forgotten this Hari Raya.

About 1,000 of them, mostly dressed in traditional attire, were treated to a sumptuous meal at the council’s annual Hari Raya gathering at its headquarters in Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam in Penang.

MPSP president Rozali Mohamud said the lunch was a token of appreciation to those who had worked hard during the fasting month.

“Some of our cleaners did not go on leave and worked throughout the Hari Raya holidays to keep Seberang Prai clean during the festive period.

“This is not just any ordinary lunch, but a time to get together and bond with municipal councillors and staff.

“We extend our gratitude to their service,” he said at the recent celebration.

Guests helping themselves to delicious satay at the MPSP Hari Raya open house event.

Also present were Youth and Sports, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Chong Eng, Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim and Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Maimunah Mohd Sharif.

Separately over at Galeri Pejuang in Cherok To’ kun, Bukit Mertajam, Malaysians of all races thronged the Hari Raya open house of Machang Bubok assemblyman Lee Khai Loon.

Despite the hot weather about 2,000 people from all walks of life attended the open house which was held between 2pm and 5pm on Sunday.

Lee, who was clad in a green baju melayu stood at the entrance to welcome his visitors.

Also present were Nibong Tebal MP Datuk Mansor Othman, Penang state assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, Chong Eng, Steven Sim and Lunas assemblyman Azman Nasrudin.

Crowds swarming the stall serving ketupat with kuah kacang at the Hari Raya open house hosted by Machang Bubok assemblyman Lee Khai Loon in Cherok To’ kun, Bukit Mertajam.

Various traditional delicacies were served at the open house such as satay, laksa, roti jala, tomato rice, chicken rendang, ketupat, bihun, ice kacang and koay teow.

Housewife Sally Lim, 56, said together with her son Tan Peng Kee, 27, they would often attend the open houses hosted by the different communities.

“Attending open houses during festivals is an unique tradition practised by Malaysians.”

Factory technician M. Sangaran, 27, said he and his family members enjoyed the meal as there were so many things to eat.

Nasi Kandar seller Jainuddin Habeeb, 47, said he closed his shop so that he could attend the event.