MELAKA: Melaka’s pioneer halal Mooncake Festival held here reflects the historic city’s tradition of togetherness and cultural harmony, said Lt. Kol (PA) Kamarulsyah Muslim.
The Melaka Civil Defence Force (APM) director said the event, jointly organised by Persatuan Siew Heng Melaka, and The Lisbon Melaka Hotel, was a meaningful example of how communities continue to uphold unity through culture.
“I am honoured to be invited as the guest of honour for the festival in conjunction with the Mid-Autumn Festival.
"It reflects the unity among us and I discovered it is the first of its kind halal Mid-Autumn Festival, probably in the country,” he said after witnessing the traditional "Foh Shan" Lion Dance at the hotel in the Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir here on Friday (Oct 3) night.
Among those present were APM Melaka Deputy Director Major (PA) Nor Farhani Mat Husin; Chairman of Melaka APM' a Corporate Officers Associate Kol (PA) Mike Thein; Melaka Siew Heng Association chairman Yow Eng Tong; Rob Tan, Group Director of Trinidad Holdings and General Manager of The Lisbon Melaka Hotel, Bob Yusof.
Kamarulsyah also urged APM’s associate officers to continue organising events that bring communities together.
“APM is a platform for all to serve the community regardless of race or background, especially during emergencies.
"I will support any effort that is multiracial," he said, noting that readiness would be crucial as the year-end monsoon approaches.
Meanwhile, Siew Heng Association Melaka’s Youth Wing chief Wong Sze Ming said the troupe has preserved its lion dance tradition for nearly 80 years since its founding in 1953.
He said the troupe prepared a high pole lion dance for the festival, symbolising prosperity, courage and teamwork.
“Our forefathers established the troupe to encourage youth activities and it has grown steadily over the decades.
"We continue to train the younger generation through free weekly sessions, scholarships and social media engagement," he said.
Wong said Lion Dance represents cultural pride and unity and his association wants future generations to carry it forward.
Meanwhile, Tan said The Lisbon Melaka Hotel, formerly a private university, had been revived as a hospitality property to strengthen the state’s tourism industry.
He said the collaboration with Melaka APM and Persatuan Siew Heng, regarded as the state’s oldest lion dance troupe, was aimed at blending heritage with tourism while showcasing cultural diversity.
The festival concluded with the symbolic handover of mooncakes to APM, highlighting how a historic clan association, a rejuvenated hotel and Melaka APM came together in partnership to promote both unity and tourism in Melaka.
