BUTTERWORTH: The national-level Malaysia Day event at the PICCA Convention Centre@Arena Butterworth is pulling in crowds with exhibitions on the nation’s history, contests for families, and traditional food sampling.
The largest exhibitor, the Penang Library, has prepared traditional food and biscuits for visitors to try.
Among the offerings are boiled tapioca and steamed glutinous rice served with sambal ikan bilis, grated coconut and salted fish.
“This is the kind of food locals have enjoyed for generations," said a staff member at the library's booth when met on Tuesday (Sept 16).
"During the early days of the country’s founding, many were poor and such simple meals were common.
"Although our standard of living and lives have improved, we should never forget the food we had in the past."
The library also displayed its archive of old newspapers, including editions of the Straits Times and Straits Echo from 1963, when Malaysia was formed.
To bring families together, a colouring contest organised by the library saw 50 families compete for RM750 in cash prizes.
RTM's Mutiara FM, among other media agencies, contributed to the exhibition with displays of vintage items such as a gramophone and radios, while about 20 food trucks lined the parking area outside for visitors.
Themed “Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni”, the celebration will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at 8.30pm.
Scheduled performances include Rentak Tradisi Pulau Mutiara, a showcase of Penang’s iconic traditional art forms such as Joget Joghee, Chinese opera and Boria.
