IPOH: Thousands of people thronged the Lost World of Tambun here to attend the state-level Chinese New Year open house celebration.
The theme park was a hive of activity at the opening ceremony graced by Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah yesterday.
His consort Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim was also present.
The event was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is Tambun MP, his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Other guests including politicians, ministers, and state leaders also turned up to usher in the Year of the Rabbit.
Ushering in good fortune: Sultan Nazrin (centre) getting ready to toss yee sang together with PM (third from left) and other attendees at the Tambun theme park open house in Ipoh. — Bernama
The open house, with free admission to the park, from 2pm to 5pm saw people taking the opportunity to swim in the various pools at the park, as well as enjoying themselves on the rides.
A lion dance, traditional fan dance and a Chinese orchestra were among the performances that were held.
Red packets were also handed out to 66 children from several orphanages. The leaders then joined Sultan Nazrin and Tuanku Zara Salim in tossing yee sang, a traditional Lunar New Year ritual.
Saarani in his speech said after almost three years celebrating Chinese New Year amid Covid-19 restrictions, Malaysians could once again experience the tradition of visiting open houses.
He said the Year of the Rabbit associated with intelligence and calmness, was an opportunity to rise and rebuild the state and the country following the pandemic.
“The pandemic has taught us that no matter how great the challenges, it can be overcome with the spirit of unity and togetherness.
“Many signs suggest that 2023 will be laden with trials and obstacles, especially the global economic outlook that is expected to suffer a recession, thus triggering all kinds of uncertainty,” he added.
Saarani said these challenges required the government – whether at the state or federal level – to continue to work hand in hand to ensure the country was always stable and to revive the economy.
