THE quiet coastal corner of Batu Maung sprang to life with a lion dance, drumming and firecrackers during Mah Sing Group’s Chinese New Year open house at the M Zenni sales gallery in Puncak Southbay, Georgetown.
The session began with the lighting of an 88ft-long (26.8m) string of firecrackers by Mah Sing senior genera manager (northern) Lai Kok Soon to symbolically usher in prosperity and good fortune for the Year of the Horse.
An energetic lion dance followed, with the lions weaving across the gallery floor, and guests taking part in a spirited yee sang tossing ceremony at the entrance.
Lai was joined by deputy general manager (northern) Danniel Tan Kah Aik as well as sales and marketing manager (northern) Jay Soon Hung Fu, along with staff members and visitors, in tossing the colourful ingredients high in the air in a collective wish for unity, abundance and a hopeful start to the new year.
In keeping with the zodiac theme, organisers later introduced a real thoroughbred blade horse standing about 2m tall, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see the majestic animal up close and adding a unique highlight to the celebration.
A dramatic mask-changing performance captivated the crowd, while a traditional calligraphy booth brushed auspicious Chinese characters in bold black ink on bright red paper for guests to bring home.
Visitors also took part in a variety of workshops, including Chinese calligraphy, cupcake decorating and clay modelling, which were especially popular among children and young families. Those who completed the activities received small gifts as mementos.
The event included festive food kiosks, decked in bright red with auspicious motifs, serving a generous spread of light refreshments.
Among the highlights were chang shou mian (longevity noodles), symbolising long life; fu qi liu bao (prosperity buns) with savoury fillings; as well as freshly made egg waffles, sesame balls, tarts, cakes and sandwiches.
The God of Wealth mascot was also present, making regular rounds throughout the event, posing for photographs and spreading festive cheer among visitors.
The two-day celebration on Saturday and Sunday (Feb 28 and March 1) also featured a feng shui sharing session offering insights on creating harmony and positive energy in living spaces for the year ahead.
Located just 900m from the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, M Zenni comprises a 33-storey serviced-apartment tower and 10 commercial lots, with layouts ranging from 688sq ft to 1,184sq ft and indicative prices starting from RM480,000.
It offers direct access to major industrial and lifestyle hubs and is poised to become a landmark address in Penang’s southern corridor.
