Story by Danny Ooi
Pix by Law Suun Ting
THE Bon Odori committee has decided to go green this year by implementing two eco-friendly initiatives with the strong support of Penang Green Council.
Japanese Consul-General Shinichiro Kanoya said at a press conference hosted by exco for Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture & Arts Yeoh Soon Hin held at Komtar this afternoon.
Also present was the chief executive officer of Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd, Keiichi Yasuda.
Shinichiro said the two eco-friendly initiatives are; 1. ‘Less Straw Campaign’ and 2. #Penang Does it Too project.
Commenting further on the ‘Less Straw Campaign’, he added that the public is encouraged to reduce the use of extra straws and to drink straight from the cup instead.
“The second green initiative we will implement this year is something new and unique.
“Having being inspired by recent movement of picking up rubbish in the stadium after the World Cup games, we would like to do the same here in Penang, considering Bon Odori is one of the biggest local event,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Yeoh highlighted the road closure for the Bon Odori Festival 2018, to be held on this Saturday, July 21 from 6.00pm to 10.30pm.
He said the roads to be closed would be Lebuh Duke (12.10am -11.59pm on July 21), Jalan Padang Kota Lama 6pm (July 20) – 6am (July 22).
“However, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah will be open to traffic as usual,” he noted.
“Among the highlights of the festival will be an Akido demonstration by Akido Shoshinkai and dance performance by D.D.M Company, to be followed by Fireworks and Lucky Draw at 11pm,” Yeoh added
Among the many lucky draws include a Honda motorcycle 125 and air tickets from Penang to Japan and Penang to Tokyo.