THOUSANDS of people, including foreign tourists, gathered at Chew Jetty in Weld Quay well past midnight to commemorate the annual grand celebration of the Jade Emperor’s birthday (Thnee Kong Seh).
The Hokkien community in Penang celebrates this captivating event on the ninth day of Chinese New Year, turning it into a fascinating spectacle for all.
Many of the devotees, who are mostly Taoists, commenced their ritual before midnight by offering oranges, sugar canes, and flowers at the altars set up in front of their houses or compounds.
Over at the Chew Jetty, the celebration was celebrated with a grand display of fireworks and firecrackers.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present at the event, said the celebration was collaborated for the seventh time by the state government and the Chew Jetty organising committee and also marked the 117th year that was organised by the Chew Jetty.
“This fascinating event is not solely celebrated by the people from Chew Jetty, but also by locals and international tourists.
“We understand it is not an easy task to organise such a large-scale event, especially like tonight’s celebration. Apart from manpower, the funding to execute the event is taken into account as well.
“Penang’s Chinese New Year events stand out among the liveliest in the country, transforming to a vibrant celebration with state support,” said Chow, who is also the Padang Kota assemblyman during his speech.
He expressed his hopes for Penang’s further prosperity in the Year of the Dragon.
Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, also Tanjong MP, acknowledged the event’s international allure.
“We will continue the tradition of organising the event yearly,” she said.
Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng shared his hopes that the Year of the Dragon would spur economic growth for the country.
The celebration featured a traditional dragon dance, a captivating fireworks display and the symbolic tossing of yee sang by distinguished guests, symbolising aspirations for growth and prosperity.
Among those present were state Tourism and Creative Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan, DAP supremo Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, and Chew Jetty Association chairman Chew Choon Seng.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Siew Chia En