Mosque holds CNY open house to foster better ties

One joyous occasion: Khairul Anuar (wearing batik) with Shabudin (in red) and other committee members and guests enjoying the lion dance performance at the mosque in Tasek Gelugor.

KEPALA BATAS: People of all religions were spotted at a Chinese New Year open house organised by a mosque here.

Among the guests was SJKC Union senior assistant Heng Swee Yong, 39, who attended the event held at Tapak Kompleks Perniagaan Lama in Tasek Gelugor yesterday.

“We live in the area and decided to just drop by and be part of the celebration. I think it’s a great idea as it creates a sense of togetherness among the local community.

“It’s also a chance to learn about people from different backgrounds,” she said.

M. Balakrishnan, 64, was glad to have attended the event, which served chicken rice, dim sum, char koay teow, apom balik and ice-cream for guests.

“Regardless of our race and religion, we are still able to come together for this event,” he added.

Some 200 guests at the event were also entertained by a lively lion dance performance. There was also an Islamic talk titled “Why Islam?” and a lucky draw.

The event was organised by Masjid Jamek Tasek Gelugor in a joint collaboration with the Hidayah Centre Foundation and Penang Pertubuhan Ikram Malaysia.

Mosque committee chairman Khairul Anuar Musa said this was the second year the committee was holding the open house.

“We’re glad for the turnout,” he said, adding that the event was a good opportunity for Muslims and non-Muslims in the neighbourhood to mingle and get to know one another better.

Also present were Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Shabudin Yahaya and Permatang Berangan assemblyman Nor Hafizah Othman.