HE is known for his clothing trademark – a yellow pair of boots – and catchphrase ‘Don’t pray pray’. A contractor who constantly boasts that he is the ‘best in Singapore, JB and some say Batam’.
He is none other than ‘Phua Chu Kang’, played by comedian and actor Gurmit Singh.
While many would have seen him on television, not many have the chance of meeting him.
Penangites and visitors now have the opportunity of seeing him in person at the inaugural Penang Grand Parade 2020; scheduled to be held from 6pm to 11pm on New Year’s Day!
Penang Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said Gurmit would not only be making an appearance during the grand event; he would also be performing live later during the night!
“I believe many visitors will be thronging the event to catch a glimpse of Gurmit.
“We are happy to announce that UK Bhangra Award winner Kamal Chopra will also be joining the celebration and entertaining the crowd,” he told a press conference at his office in Komtar today.
Yeoh said that the grand parade would see cultural performance groups and associations, colourful floats, and bands wowing visitors.
“We want to usher in the Experience Penang Year 2020 (EPY 2020) with this inaugural event. The parade is held to celebrate the state’s vibrant diversity.
“We have participants from Starbucks, Link Bike and the Chef Association; those riding trishaws and superbikes; and others driving vintage cars.
“The parade will begin in Gurney Drive at 6pm and will be passing through major roads such as Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah and Farquhar Street. The parade will end at the Esplanade at about 8.30pm.
“Visitors can enjoy the various exciting performances at the Esplanade,” he said.
Yeoh added that the ‘Experience Penang International Coastal Run 2020’ launch gimmick is scheduled to be held during the event. The run is expected to be held in March next year.
Penang Traffic Enforcement Investigation Department officer ASP Fakhruz Zaman Husin said the affected roads would be closed and reopened in stages during the parade.
Also present was coordinating officer Grace Teoh.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Tan Zhi En