Wesak fest makes a return

KANGAR: A total of four cars and a rickshaw decorated with flowers will take part in the procession to mark the Wesak Day celebration tonight.

Perlis Buddhist Association president Hong Bee Im said the procession is an annual event in the state.

“This year, we have the opportunity to organise a float parade after three years of not being able to following the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is hoped that the theme of the celebration Consensus Brings Prosperity will encourage the people to live in harmony and unite in a joint effort to develop our beloved country,” she told Bernama.

According to Hong, the 2km parade will start from Taman Mutiara heading towards Jalan Jubli Perak, Jalan Bukit Lagi, Jalan Raja Syed Alwi, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and Kangar town centre.

Hong expects the procession, which starts at 7.45pm, to attract 1,000 people.

“We encourage the public to wear face masks and maintain standard operating procedure to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” she added.

A shopkeeper, known only as Choong, said she and her friends would not miss the opportunity to participate in the annual parade.

“It not only attracts the attention of devotees but my friends from other religions too, who do not want to miss the opportunity to witness the parade,” Choong said.

Asma Mansor, 59, said that every year she would wait in Kangar town to see and take photos of the procession.

In Johor Baru, Ops Lancar will be launched to ensure smoother traffic flow in view of the long weekend due to Wesak Day.

Johor police chief Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said police have taken the initiative to ensure smooth traffic flow especially at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex in Iskandar Puteri.

“We expect an influx of traffic at these two checkpoints.

“A total of 261 officers and personnel will be on duty at 47 hotspots and 27 black spots to monitor, direct traffic and prevent any untoward incident.

“This also includes our response time to accidents and obstacles that may affect traffic flow, as well as preparedness to face uncertain weather conditions,” he said.

Comm Kamarul Zaman also reminded all road users, including foreigners, to abide by the law and always practise good driving ethics while on the road.