(From seventh from left) Chai, Ong with MCAH, YBNM and the Malaysia-China Silk Route Business Chamber members and the festival’s durian mascot at the Pre-CNY Durian & Street Food Festival 2024 press conference. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
MALAYSIA Chinese Assembly Hall (MCAH) and Yayasan Bakti Nusa Malaysia (YBNM) are jointly organising their inaugural Chinese New Year food festival to welcome the festive season.
The Pre-CNY Durian & Street Food Festival 2024 will take place at the Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 21.
MCAH president Datuk Seri KK Chai said the event was to commemorate the Wei Ya festival falling on the 16th day of the 12th lunar month.
Wei Ya is a term in Chinese that translates to “year-end banquet”, often a festive occasion organised by companies to celebrate achievements and express gratitude to employees.
“Other than the well-known Chinese festive days such as the Winter Solstice and Mid-Autumn Festival, the Wei Ya festival is also important as it is on the verge of being forgotten in Malaysia,” said Chai during a press conference on the event.
This festival will also feature 27 food and beverage stalls selling a variety of Chinese and other local delicacies including durian.
International tourists are also expected to attend the event, and will have the opportunity to learn about the King of Fruits.
The stalls will be open from 9am until late afternoon.
“One of the goals through this festival is to support local entrepreneurs, especially street vendors, by providing them a platform to showcase their culinary skills and creativity.
“We aim to promote the joy of sharing food and spread love,” said Chai.
Besides street delicacies, the festival is hosting an art competition for children aged between seven and 15 years old.
About 100 children are expected to participate.
“Through this competition, we aim to add artistic flair to the festival by involving the younger generation,” said Chai, adding that this would create a delightful family outing.
“We also encourage parents to ensure their children participate in the competition.”
The festival features a gala dinner at 7pm, which is open to the public and is expected to draw at least 650 attendees.
Chai said notable public figures and ambassadors from various countries, including Uruguay, Czech Republic, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka and Egypt are among invited guests.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between YBNM and MCAH was signed during the event.
YBNM president Tan Sri Ong Tee Keat said he looked forward to this collaboration.
“I hope with the signing of MOU, both associations can collaborate not only for social works, but also preservation of cultural events for the betterment of the communities,” he said.
The press conference was also attended by the Malaysia-China Silk Route Business Chamber organising committee chairman Chang KM, YBNM advisor Dr Zyro Wong, MCAH deputy president Datuk Sri Lee Wan Beng, MCAH vice-presidents Datuk Alex Wong Chee Seng, Lim Lai Hooi and other representatives.
For details, call 016-330 8402 or email klcah2010@gmail.com
