THERE is an old custom practised at Chinese New Year where rice donated by households is combined and shared, especially with the needy, symbolising unity and care.
Selangor investment, trade and mobility committee chairman Ng Sze Han has been doing this since becoming Kinrara assemblyman in 2013.
“My service centre will be full of aunties and women spending their time packing the donated rice for Chinese New Year.
“They mix it and repack it in this fun activity which fosters togetherness.
“I’ve never given out oranges because they are expensive and, if not handled carefully, will rot,” he said during a press conference at Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) building to announce the Selangor state-level Chinese New Year 2026 celebration.
Ng welcomes rice donations which can be dropped off at his service centre at No.5G, Jalan Cenuk 2, Off Batu 10, Jalan Puchong in Puchong by tomorrow to enable repacking for the state celebration on Feb 7.
Also present during the announcement were Invest Selangor Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Hasan Azhari Idris and MBSJ deputy secretary Ismail Salim.
The event, expected to see about 10,000 attendees, will be held at Taman Rekreasi Wawasan in Persiaran Wawasan of Taman Wawasan, Puchong, from 5pm to 10pm.
“This year, we have decided to practise this rice gifting tradition for our guests, as it symbolises being cared for,” said Ng.
And instead of the yee sang prosperity toss, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Ng will do so with rice.
“This is a better symbolism as it represents shared prosperity, and unity too,” Ng highlighted.
He said the celebration was being held before Chinese New Year (which falls on Feb 17) as Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month, was close behind.
“We want everyone from all backgrounds to attend the celebration.”
He encouraged attendees to commute using public transport, with the three closest LRT stations to the venue being Pusat Bandar Puchong, Bandar Puteri and Taman Perindustrian Puchong.
He said the Smart Selangor Bus and demand responsive transit (DRT) service via the Rapid On-Demand app would also be available.
When asked if he too would use the LRT, Ng replied: “I can actually walk to the venue because my house is nearby.”
The event will include two separate open house sessions – at 5.45pm for 3,000 people and 8.30pm for 2,000 people.
Some 1,500 ang pow are also being readied for children under age 12.
To make it more exciting, there will be a light show to delight the young and young-at-heart, choir, brass band and orchestral performances, lion dance, “Jom Mamak” dance and a diabolo show, among others.
