Sultan, Raja Permaisuri grace Chinese New Year event in Bidor

Sultan Nazrin (centre), led other dignitaries in tossing yee sang to mark the start of the state-level Chinese New Year celebration in Bidor.

THE small town of Bidor played host to thousands, including hundreds from other towns in Perak, during the state-level Chinese New Year open-house event on Sunday.

Held at SJKC Choong Hua 2, the event also saw thousands of local Bidor folk attending to catch a glimpse of Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim besideds enjoying the various colourful performances organised for the event.

The arrival of Sultan Nazrin and Tuanku Zara was marked with the setting off of fireworks and lion and dragon dance performances.

The royal couple were greeted by guests as he walked towards his table.

Sultan Nazrin and Tuanku Zara, accompanied by State Non-Islamic Affairs Committee Chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, his wife Datin Lim Soo Lee, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and other dignitaries, tossed yee sang to mark the opening of the event.

Sultan Nazrin and Tuanku Zara were greeted by hundreds of people as they made their way to the state-level Chinese New Year celebration held in Bidor. – Photos: RONNIE CHIN/The Star

Sultan Nazrin and Tuanku Zara also presented red packets to children.

In his welcoming speech, Dr Mah said various efforts were being taken by the state government to ensure the wellbeing of the people is looked after.

“The government is building various affordable houses to enable each family to own a home.

“Various high-impact projects are also being planned to create job opportunities for the people and to boost the economy,” he said.

“Under the Perak Yang Bersih campaign, the mentri besar led by example in creating a clean state, and cases of dengue have decreased by 56%,” he added.

Following Dr Mah’s speech, guests were treated to a truly 1Malaysia dance performance by Dua Space Dance Theatre dancers dressed in various cultural costumes.

A dragon dance performance welcomed the royal couple to Bidor.

After the energetic dance performance, homegrown a cappella group SAB A Cappella then entertained the crowd with three songs, including a medley of Malay and Chinese classics.

A contemporary 24-drum performance by Soul Impact then took to the stage for a performance incorporating gamelan instruments symbolising the country’s unique multiculturalism.

The Dua Space Dance Theatre dancers then took to the stage again for a performance combining modern and cultural dances backed by a image and light show.

Vivo Experimental Orchestra then took to the stage to perform four songs - Lift Your Veil, Dance of the Golden Snake, The Flame and Rasa Sayang - using classical Chinese instruments.

Classical songstress Yudi Yap also made an appearance to sing two songs, “Kopi Susu” and a Chinese New Year number.

The Vivo Experimental Chinese Orchestra rendered traditional and fusion Chinese melodies.

The last performance of the night was showcased by the Dua Space Dance Theatre with a “Spirit of Spring” themed cultural dance.

Earlier, prior to the arrival of Sultan Nazrin and Tuanku Zara, SMJK Choong Hua students also showcased their talents with the diabolo or Chinese yo-yo performance.

The SMJK Sam Tet choir also performed two songs.

About 150 tables with food were prepared for guests during the event.

Also present during the celebration were Raja DiHilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Sultan Idris A’afifullah Shah and Raja Puan Muda Perak Tunku Soraya Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, International Trade and Industry Minister II Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, State Secretary Datuk Seri Abdul Puhat Mat Nayan, State Speaker Datuk S. Thangeswary and other state officials.