RED lanterns, ubiquitous during Chinese New Year, have come to symbolise unity among Felda Hutan Percha’s multi- ethnic residents.
Felda Kampung Hutan Percha Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) chairman Nizam Baharom said the initiative began three years ago, inspired by similar displays in neighbouring areas Machap Umboo and Machap Jaya in the Alor Gajah district of Melaka.
“What started as admiration has become a tradition, with residents working together to decorate the local Chinese Community Recreational Park.
“Residents from different backgrounds helped in the evenings, while the women prepared food for the volunteers,” he told Bernama.
Nizam said the settlement was home to 800 residents, including 260 Malay, 65 Chinese, six Indian and 31 Orang Asli households.
He added that the spirit of mutual respect was strong – the park is about 20m from the mosque and activities are paused during Maghrib and Isyak prayer times.
Project director Ng Lai Cheng, 45, said the community had raised about RM10,000 for decorations this year, with contributions coming from residents of various backgrounds, as well as Felda management and the JPKK.
Decorations, including lanterns, flowers and fairy lights, were installed beginning in November, he added.
Machap Jaya assemblyman and Melaka health, human resources and unity committee chairman Ngwe Hee Sem was invited for the lighting ceremony before Chinese New Year.
