Johor has events-filled month to draw visitors

TANJUNG PIAI: Thaipusam will kick off a list of attractions that will draw more visitors, especially foreign tourists, to Johor this month.

State tourism, environment, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar said several events have been lined up this month following Thaipusam this weekend.

“Thaipusam will be celebrated this Sunday while the Chingay Festival, which is usually held for five days, will hold its parade on Feb 12,” he told reporters after launching the mangrove run programme in conjunction with the World Wetlands Day celebration held at the Tanjung Piai Johor National Park yesterday.

He added that after two years of postponement due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Pasir Gudang International Kites Festival will resume once again.

“The festival will take place between Feb 22 and Feb 26 and will attract local and international participants.

“We will also be holding the Nusantara Music Festival this month.

“All the events will be held during the weekends and this can help attract crowds, especially tourists, to Johor,” he said.

Sri Subramaniar Temple chairman K. Arumugam said that a large number of devotees are expected to attend the Thaipusam celebration at the temple located along Jalan Dato Esa in Tampoi, Johor Baru.

“We are expecting between 3,000 and 5,000 devotees at the temple on Thaipusam,” he said.

Arumugam added that although Covid-19 restrictions have since been lifted, devotees were advised to wear masks as a precautionary measure.