AIR Itam has once again brightened up with its streets adorned with decorative red lanterns and a replica of a ‘Tiger’ installed at the Penang Hill roundabout.
A total of 520 lanterns, costing RM60,000, were strung across or along the streets, to enliven the Chinese New Year atmosphere.
The ‘Tiger’ at the roundabout symbolises the welcoming of the Year of the Tiger according to the lunar calendar. Chinese New Year falls on Feb 1 this year.
Its assemblyman Joseph Ng said the lanterns would be lit up in the Air Itam township beginning today until Feb 28.
“Air Itam, which is famous for the Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill, will see an influx of people during the Chinese New Year celebration.
“The number of lanterns installed this year has increased from 230 to 520.
“I am very thankful to the state, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, Air Putih assemblyman Lim Guan Eng, Sunshine Group and the public for their contributions to decorate Air Itam,” he told reporters after a simple lantern lighting ceremony.
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic that has upended the lives of many, Ng pointed out the celebration must still go on albeit on a smaller scale.
“It will lift up the people’s mood with all these CNY decorations,” he added.
He also said it was the third year the Penang Hill roundabout was decorated, expressing his gratitude to the OHM Group for its sponsorship.
Also present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Senator Lim Hui Ying, Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillors and Air Itam service centre staff.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan