ALOR GAJAH: A group of women born in the “Year of the Horse” has spearheaded a festive decoration project at Kampung Permai in Machap Umboo here in conjunction with the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations.
Kampung Permai’s Chinese New Year 2026 celebration committee chairman, Ivy Lau, said the largely female-led committee set out to transform the new village into a festive attraction through teamwork and creativity.
“Although we have a few male members, most of us are women who wanted to make sure this celebration would truly leave an impact,” she said when met at the launch of the decorations here on Saturday night (Jan 17).
Lau, 48, said the village has been lit up with festive displays, many of which were assembled using recycled materials.
She described the transformation as turning Kampung Permai into a “fairyland”, achieved despite limited funds and tight timelines.
“We didn’t have much funding, but our determination prevailed.
“Everyone chipped in, and we managed to roll out the decorations about a month ahead of the Lunar New Year,” she said.
The launch ceremony was attended by Melaka Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Mohd Ali Rustam, Melaka MCA chairman Datuk Lim Ban Hong, Alor Gajah MP Adly Zahari, who is also Deputy Defence Minister, former senior political secretary to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Iskandar Mohd Akin, along with other national and state leaders.
Lau noted that beyond the festive visuals, her committee also incorporated elements reflecting the village’s heritage by selecting the rubber seed as the mascot for this year’s celebration.
“Our forefathers started their lives here as rubber tappers.
“This village was built on their hard work, and we felt it was important to honour that legacy,” she said.
Adviser to the Chinese New Year decoration project, Datuk Yap Yeong Leong, said the village is expecting more than 20,000 visitors throughout the festive season, surpassing last year’s turnout.
“Last year, about 20,000 people visited the village to view the decorations.
“We are anticipating even more visitors this year,” he said, adding that the village also receives a steady stream of weekend tourists from China who come to appreciate the Chinese cultural traditions preserved in the area.
Melaka Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman, Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem, described the celebration as an inspirational programme that brings together people from various backgrounds.
“This programme reflects unity and cooperation among the community,” he said in his opening speech.
Ngwe, who is also the Machap Jaya assemblyman, added that Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh was unable to attend the event as he was in Kuala Lumpur for the Umno general assembly.
Shamsul Iskandar, when met, said he appreciated the invitation extended by the organisers.
“I am thankful to my friends who have stood by me through thick and thin,” he said.
