THE Penang Christmas celebration is returning this year on Dec 10.
After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the state government through Penang Harmony Corporation (Harmonico), together with the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) Penang will be organising the event, themed ‘Light of the World’, at the Esplanade.
Penang Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng said Christmas is a commemoration of the nativity of Jesus and it is also a time for celebration, appreciation, and gathering regardless of faith, and cultural background.
“It is a season of giving. More than just feasts and presents, we celebrate the act of love and kindness to one another.
“We take the opportunity to give to the less fortunate, volunteer in charity events, and help those in need. We find joy and peace in giving,” she said during a media conference at Penang Harmony Centre yesterday (Oct 18).
Commenting about the event theme, Chong Eng said that light is a shared element of hope, joy, and success regardless of faith and cultural background.
“For example, during Deepavali, light symbolises victory over darkness; in Buddhism, light is a path to enlightenment; in Islam, light is symbolic of God’s guidance and knowledge, and many more.
“There are indeed more similarities, rather than differences between us,” she added.
Chong Eng said local churches are invited to be part of the celebration in their capacity.
“We are providing booths and space for churches to set up kiosks and conduct activities.
“We are also calling for church bands and performing groups to perform during the celebration. We welcome participation by the community.
“The state government, through Harmonico, is here to create platforms. We open doors for multi-religious communities to play their roles in serving society, building capacity, and celebrating diversity,” she said.
Harmonico has been co-organising various religious festivals such as Wesak Day, Vaisakhi, Taoism Day, and others.
CFM Penang liaison committee chairman Rev Ronald Yap said it was hoped that the celebration could bring together Penang’s diverse community in a gathering of hope through songs, dance, drama, and gifts.
“We look forward to celebrating light and life together during this Penang State Christmas Celebration 2022,” he said.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor John Ooh said the city council would give its full support to the event.
“We will provide mobile toilets and rubbish bins and they will be placed in appropriate locations.
“Meanwhile, two roads will be closed to traffic – Jalan Padang Kota Lama will be closed from Dec 9 (midnight) to Dec 11 (6am); and Lebuh Duke on Dec 10 (from noon to midnight).
“We encourage the public to take the free CAT bus to the event.
“The council is also providing space for food truck operators to conduct their business at the event on Dec 10. The space which can cater to 20 food trucks is given to the event coordinator, Harmonico.
“Food operators must be vaccinated against typhoid and Covid-19,” Ooh said.
Interested food truck operators can visit www.harmonico.my/foodtruck for more details.
Alternatively, call 012-202 1582 during office hours.