Street aglow with joy and goodwill

KUALA Lumpur’s Petaling Street was abuzz with activity as more than 1,000 people including B40 group, single mothers and orphans came to be part of the Lantern Festival.

Organised by Kuala Lumpur Chinese Assembly Hall (KLCAH) women’s division and Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), the festival featured vibrant lion and dragon dances as well as a breathtaking fireworks display.

KLCAH president Datuk Seri Chai Kee Kan said he was grateful for the opportunity to celebrate alongside 200 children from welfare homes.

He added that it was important to promote Chinese culture to Malaysians and foreign tourists.

Children from Bodhi Nursery and Jing Sun Welfare Society showing their paper lanterns.

“They can learn, participate in the activities, savour the halal mooncakes, and even bring their lanterns to the parade,” he said in his speech, adding that the event was a fantastic way to showcase Malaysia’s cultural richness.

Chai also expressed delight over the Chinese Culture and Tourism Ministry’s announcement of a 15-day visa on arrival for Chinese ordinary passport holders at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, adding that this policy would boost tourism.

“I anticipate further visa liberalisation measures which will bring more tourists here.”

Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry staff giving away free lanterns and mooncakes to the public.

Meanwhile, Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said the festival promoted unity and camaraderie.

“Our ministry has been a staunch supporter of this festival and will continue to support similar initiatives to bring together diverse communities.”

Also present were Pemadam treasurer Datuk Sohaimi Shahadan, KLCAH women’s division chairman Datuk Ada Poon, event organising chairman Hew Poh Chin, and Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association chairman Datuk Ang Say Tee.