IPOH: About 17,000 people gathered at Stadium Indera Mulia for the state-level Chinese New Year open house, graced by Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and Perak Raja Permaisuri Tuanku Zara Salim.
Also present were Perak Raja Muda Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, Raja Di Hilir Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah, and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad with his wife, Datin Seri Aezer Zubin.
Sultan Nazrin and the distinguished attendees participated in the traditional tossing of "yee sang" to symbolise the celebration.
Sultan Nazrin also presented red packets to orphans before guests enjoyed a feast featuring satay, apam balik, pau, dim sum, chicken rice, laksa, kuey teow soup, and banana fritters.
Entertainment included performances by Selendang Perak, a Chinese orchestra, and wushu displays.
In his speech, Saarani highlighted the profound meaning of the Year of the Wood Snake, symbolising intelligence, strategic planning, and growth. He noted the snake's representation of wisdom in decision-making and the wood element's embodiment of growth, harmony, and balance.
"As we welcome the new year, let us embrace self-improvement, unlock our potential, and strengthen our identity. While cherishing peace, we must remain driven and work together to build a progressive state," he said.
"We must believe that progress is inseparable from unity and harmony. Let us move forward together, united in realising the vision of Malaysia Madani and achieving the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan, so our aspirations for a bright future may become reality," he added.
