IT IS lanterns galore along Jalan Masjid Negeri in Penang, as some 500 bright red festive lanterns have been strung across the road to lend a vibrant festive atmosphere to the area in conjunction with Chinese New Year.
Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan Hooi Peng said this was the second year lanterns were lit up along the 300m stretch of the road.
She said the lanterns were hung up to create a festive ambience not only for the residents but also motorists.
Speaking at the lantern lighting ceremony, she said the lanterns symbolised unity and togetherness in celebrating Malaysia’s diverse cultural traditions.
“The lanterns are also symbolic of a full moon which brings blessings, joy, happiness and prosperity during the Chinese New Year,” she said.
Tan added that lanterns were also put up along Lorong Delima 9, Karpal Singh Neighbourhood Park, Jalan Gangsa, Solok Thean Teik and Jalan Yeap Chor Ee Pocket Garden, bringing the total number of lanterns to 1,000.
A local property management company based in Gelugor, DS Asia Group had sponsored the installation of the lanterns, which cost RM50,000, this year.
“We are thankful to the company which has generously sponsored festive lanterns for all the festivals since last year amounting to RM300,000 so far,” she said.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present at the event, said 50,000 red lanterns would light up the streets of Penang island for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration on Jan 29.
He said this reflected the rich cultural heritage and traditions associated with the Lunar New Year and aimed to bring festive cheer to the community.
“We are confident in our vision to make Penang a model state by 2030, therefore it is important to ensure the successful implementation of infrastructure projects that benefit the people,” he said.
The ceremony featured an appearance by the “God of Prosperity”, a lion dance and the traditional game of diabolo (Chinese yo-yo).
There was also a fireworks display.
Present were state social development, welfare and non-religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran and MBPP councillors Rohaizat Hamid, Tan Soo Siang and Visvenathan Tangavello, besides DS Asia Group chief executive officer KH Lim.
