IT was a joyous occasion for over 1,000 guests who attended the Chinese New Year open house hosted by Pantai Jerejak assemblyman Fahmi Zainol at the Bayan Baru Market hall last night.
Fahmi, the state Agrotechnology, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Committee chairman, extended his warm wishes of “Gong Xi Fa Cai,” a Mandarin greeting for prosperity to all attendees as he made his way from table to table.
“I hope this Lunar Year of the Snake brings prosperity to all of you and that the people of our state and country continue to live harmoniously,” Fahmi later said in his brief speech.
Among the distinguished guests present were Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin, Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran and his wife, Datin Devika Thiagarajan, 88 Captains chairman Datuk Seri Ooi Eng Hock; Ideal Property Group chief operating officer Datuk Goh Teng Woo, M Summit Group founder and chairman Datuk Albert Moh and The Granite Luxury Hotel general manager Moh Wei Ken.
Also in attendance were the chairmen and members of the eight Village Community Management Councils (MPKKs) under the Pantai Jerejak constituency, representing Sungai Nibong Pantai, Sungai Nibong Besar, Mayang Pasir, Kampung Jawa, Sungai Nibong Kecil, Jalan Tengah Selatan, Jalan Tengah Utara, and Mahsuri.
In his speech, Sim emphasised the importance of fostering Malaysia’s multiracial harmony and celebrating the diverse festivities that unite the nation.
“Tonight’s CNY open house is a joyful and uniquely Malaysian celebration. This tradition must be preserved in our moderate and inclusive country,” he said.
Sim also highlighted Bayan Baru’s promising future, citing the upcoming Penang LRT Mutiara Line project and the ongoing expansion of the Penang International Airport as key developments.
“This year brings new hope. The Penang LRT project will feature 21 stations, with 13, amounting to 60%, located within the Bayan Baru parliamentary constituency. This is a major boost and a major catalyst for the state’s economy.
“Fully funded by the Federal Government, the LRT project will have a transformative impact on Penang’s economy and society, while the airport expansion will further elevate the state’s status,” said Sim, who also thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his unwavering support.
Story and pix by K.H. Ong
