GEORGE TOWN: Early birds thronged the Jom Riuh carnival site of second Penang bridge, prelude to the grand launching ceremony by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak later at 8.30pm on Saturday.
Happy squeals of children and booming music permeated the atmosphere at the site with thousands of people checking out the booths and food stalls.
One of the popular stalls present were manned by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (LPPKN) at the carnival.
A spokesperson said the booth offers free health check inclusive of cholesterol, glucose level and Body Mass Index (BMI) for the first 200 people who arrived.
The public with a monthly income below RM5,000 can also register for a mammogram check-up for free.
Early birds also registered for the lucky draw at the games booth with some 50 prizes up for grabs.
Three thousand copies of The Star were distributed rapidly, courtesy of Mah Sing Group Bhd.
Uzair Abdul Latiff, 30, who grabbed a copy of the paper said he arrived early so he did not miss out on the fun and hype.
Security guard Zaidi Zin, 39, who arrived as early as 10.30am with his two children also received a copy of the newspaper.
"This is a historical moment being made for Penangites.
"I am very excited for the opening this afternoon. I also came on Friday to check out the site so it will be easier for me to manoeuvre through the crowd today," he said.
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