Heralding spring’s arrival in Yong Peng


Dr Wee (centre, in red) and Ling (with microphone) visiting constituents to spread festive cheer and give out goodie bags in Yong Peng.

A UNIQUE tradition called the “Spring Announcement” is still being practised in the town of Yong Peng in Johor to mark the beginning of Chinese New Year.

This is when people go around residential streets, accompanied by music and the beat of lion dance percussion, to spread festive cheer.

Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the Spring Announcement (bao cun xun in Mandarin) was a one-of-a-kind celebration created in Yong Peng.

“Christmas has carolling, but did you know that Yong Peng has a Chinese New Year tradition called Spring Announcement?

“On this special day, Yong Peng residents drive off-road vehicles accompanied by lion dance troupes and music trucks to spread festive joy and blessings to the community.

“The parade started in Yong Peng town and made its way through the streets of several new villages, covering a distance of about 50km,” the MCA president said on Facebook.

Dr Wee added that as Ayer Hitam MP, he could not miss the joyful event.

“Along the way, we distributed specially prepared festive goodies to constituents.”

He was accompanied by Yong Peng assemblyman Ling Tian Soon.

This year, among the places the entourage stopped at included Kampung Sin Lik, Kampung Baru Kangkar Baru and Kampung Baru Lam Lee.

Residents seemed excited and were all smiles as they welcomed the visitors with auspicious greetings.

Some even lit firecrackers to welcome the parade, which added even more cheer to the festive atmosphere.

Ling told StarMetro the Spring Announcement practice started in Yong Peng in 2014.

“It was a yearly affair but was halted because of various factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We resumed the practice two years ago and hope that this unique event will continue for years to come,” said Ling, who is also Johor health and environment committee chairman.

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