Khoo (third from right) accompanied by Ng (fourth from right) and Chua (second from right) holding horse shaped lanterns to welcome the new lunar year.
A vibrant parade of handcrafted mini-floats inspired by the unique identity of Selangor’s new villages brought a surge of colour and energy to Pandamaran, Klang.
The procession showcased iconic symbols of the villages, such as Sungai Pelek’s famous dragon fruit and butterflies, and the white crocodile of legend whose killing caused the Kuala Kubu Baru dam to break.
Striking horse-shaped mini floats also made an appearance to welcome the Year of the Horse, which falls on Feb 17.
As a major highlight of the Selangor New Village Fiesta themed “Jom Thit Tho Lah!” (Hokkien-inspired phrase meaning “let’s go play”), the parade celebrated the rich heritage and creative spirit of the local community.
The two-day event showcased a cultural and tourism fiesta, attracting about 40,000 visitors over the weekend.
In his speech, Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim underscored how the fiesta was an event that not only celebrated cultural diversity but also manifested the state government’s commitment to empowering community-based and heritage tourism.
“New villages in Selangor are historical and cultural treasures reflecting multi-ethnic harmony, and an invaluable wealth of local heritage.
“Through this fiesta, the state government recognises the immense potential of new villages as competitive cultural tourism products.
“This initiative is to strengthen the local economy through direct community involvement while ensuring that tourism development remains balanced and sustainable,” he said, adding that the state government aimed to attract about nine million tourists this year.
The fiesta featured experiential zones – Jom Jalan, Jom Makan, Jom Beli, Jom Main and Jom Snap Bersama, “jom” being the Malay word for “let’s go” and highlighting zones for travel, food, shopping, play and photography.
There was also Jom Reka, a programme where residents from new villages unite to design the mini floats.
Tourism Selangor chief executive officer Chua Yee Ling said the festival was a vital platform to showcase the history, social value and traditional lifestyles of new villages.
“All 77 new villages in Selangor participated, aligning with the modern trend of experience-based tourism, where travellers seek immersion into local culture rather than just sightseeing.
“The fiesta is a strategic move to position these villages as unique cultural destinations, fitting into our broader vision for inclusive and sustainable tourism development,” Chua said.
The fiesta also featured the “Reflections Of New Villages” exhibition underscoring the festival’s human focus, bringing community histories vividly to life for visitors with little prior knowledge of new villages.
A traditional games zone allowed children to experience heritage pastimes while learning about the history and cultural roots of new villages.
Also present was Malaysian Chinese New Village secretariat chairman Khoo Poay Tiong.
Gallery
(From third left) Ng, Khoo and Chua with horse-shaped lanterns to welcome the Lunar New Year at Selangor New Village Fiesta in Klang. (Below) The event highlights the history, culture and uniqueness of Selangor’s 77 new villages as well as the coming Chinese New Year. — Photos: KAMARUL ARIFFIN/ The Star A giant ‘mee koo’ or tortoise bun float representing a traditional snack enjoyed by the Chinese community.
Residents of Kampung Baru Sungai Pelek wearing colourful masks alongside a mini float decorated with butterflies.
A girl playing the part of the legendary white crocodile from Kuala Kubu Baru.
Majlis perarakan - Program Fiesta Kampung Baharu Negeri Selangor "Jom Thit Tho Lah!" at SJK (C) Pandamaran B, Klang, Jalan Young, Kawasan 10, Pelabuhan Klang.–KAMARUL ARIFFIN/TheStar
Majlis perarakan - Program Fiesta Kampung Baharu Negeri Selangor "Jom Thit Tho Lah!" at SJK (C) Pandamaran B, Klang, Jalan Young, Kawasan 10, Pelabuhan Klang.–KAMARUL ARIFFIN/TheStar
Colourful representations of new villages from Sekinchan (left), Sepang Jaya (above) and Dengkil (right).
Majlis perarakan - Program Fiesta Kampung Baharu Negeri Selangor "Jom Thit Tho Lah!" at SJK (C) Pandamaran B, Klang, Jalan Young, Kawasan 10, Pelabuhan Klang.–KAMARUL ARIFFIN/TheStar
Ng (left) attempting to make 'oh chien' or fried oyster omellete during the event.
