AIR Itam assemblymember Wong Hon Wai and Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh participated in a walk-about at the Air Itam market on Feb 19 to bring Chinese New Year (CNY) cheer to residents there.
With the festive atmosphere in the air following the CNY which fell on Feb 16, market goers and visitors were handed mandarin oranges, for they symbolise good fortune and prosperity.
“Kampung Pisang neighbourhood park and Zoo Road linear park will soon be upgraded with exercise equipment and walking tracks which are suitable for the old and young. And not to forget the recently announced free CAT buses which will extend to 12 zones on the island as well as the mainland which will begin in April,” Hon Wai told the press after the completion of the walkabout.
During the walkabout Ramkarpal even went a step further by getting onto a Rapid bus to distribute mandarin oranges to the passengers.
Earlier on Feb 18, assemblymember for Sungai Pinang Lim Siew Khim, together with Member of Parliament for Jelutong Jeff Ooi and exco for Tourism Development Danny Law Heng Kiang also met up with visitors to the Jelutong market to distribute mandarin oranges and greet market goers.
“We’re here on the third day of Chinese New Year hoping the market traders will have a prosperous and fruitful year,” said Siew Khim prior to the commencement of the walk which also included a pair of lions.
“Today’s walkabout here is a continuation of our tradition which is always on the third day of Chinese New Year. It gives us great joy that the market goers and traders all have a fun time as the pair of lions we brought with us make their rounds here,” added Law.
Ooi, on his part, extended his appreciation to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) for ensuring adequate power supply and keeping Jelutong clean throughout the festive season.
Meanwhile, on Feb 19 Tech Dome at Komtar also organised a Chinese New Year open house.
Assemblymember for Komtar, Teh Lai Heng was the guest of honour. Joining him at the function were chief executive officer of Penang Tech Centre, Dr Khong Yoon Loong and its directors Datuk Wong Siew Hai and Datuk Lim Kok Khong.
Among the highlights at the open house was the walk around the dome by a pair of lions to usher in luck.
VIP guests also joined the crowd present in a ‘yee sang tossing’ to symbolise abundant luck and prosperity for the new year.