ANSON Road in George Town, especially around its market area, has been brightened up with lanterns strung overhead in celebration of the upcoming Chinese New Year.
Deputy Finance Minister and Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying announced that a total of 169 lanterns have been installed, adorning both Anson Road and Anson Road Market.
“I have allocated RM18,000 for the installation, hoping these lanterns not only symbolise the festive spirit of the Lunar New Year but also bring renewed vitality to Anson Road and the market,” Lim said in her speech.
She added that the initiative is aimed at spreading warmth and joy to the residents and visitors of Tanjong during the Lunar New Year.
“The lanterns adorning the Anson Road Market not only attract more visitors for the hawkers but also infuse our community with new hope for the year ahead. We have already hung 400 lanterns at Weld Quay, and next week, we will adorn Leith Street with lanterns, aiming to light up all of Tanjong. May these lanterns bring good fortune, prosperity, and happiness in the coming year,” she explained.
Lim also took the opportunity to thank Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng for their efforts in upgrading the Anson Road Hawker Centre.
“Since the renovations, the business environment at Anson Road has significantly improved, with sales increasing by about 20%. This reflects the community’s economic vitality and the successful collaboration between the government and the people. We hope to continue working together to ensure the prosperity of Anson Road and the Tanjong constituency,” she said.
Lim also said today marks a historic moment for the state with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Mutiara LRT project, signifying the official start of this long-anticipated initiative.
“The LRT project is a core component of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) and a testament to the strong collaboration between the Federal and state governments. This project represents a significant milestone in Penang’s development, reflecting the Madani Government’s commitment to advancing national development and improving the quality of life for its people,” she said.
Also present at the lantern lighting ceremony at Anson Road were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Penang Island City Council councillors Alan Lim and Benji Ang, MPKK Jalan Irving chairman Jason Teoh Ewe Teik, Anson Road Hawkers’ Association chairman Loo Lian Lean, and several hawkers and guests.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Tan Kean Ming and Lim Min Jun