Negri Deepavali carnival cancelled due to Covid-19, says state exco

SEREMBAN: The annual 10-day state-level Deepavali carnival has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, says state exco J. Arul Kumar.

The state Human Resources, Plantation and Non-Islamic Affairs committee chairman said the decision was made following advice from the National Security Council.

"I regret to inform that the carnival, which was to be held from Nov 4 to 13, had to be cancelled due to the increase in the number of Covid-19 cases.

"We had no other choice but to do so, as it would be difficult to adhere to the standard operating procedure due to the large turnout," he said in a Facebook post.

The annual event held near the city's "Little India" along Jalan Dato Lee Fong Yee usually attracts thousands of shoppers who head there for their Deepavali shopping.

As of Tuesday (Sept 29), 1,048 Covid-19 cases have been reported in the state. Of these, 1,035 have been discharged.

Eight deaths have been reported in the state.