THE initiative by the Penang Wushu, Lion and Dragon Dance Association in promoting traditional martial arts in the state is lauded by the Penang government.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow praised its president Datuk H’ng Ban Choon for playing a pivotal role in spreading the message about the importance of martial arts.
“Since H’ng spearheaded the association six years ago, he has worked tirelessly to uplift the level of martial arts.
“The association has also been actively engaging the state and other organisations in organising activities in Penang.
“I am honoured to be invited to attend such a remarkable event, which is considered to be one of the biggest events held by the association since two years ago,” he said in his speech before officiating the two-day Penang Wushu, Lion and Dragon Dance Championship 2022 in Prangin Mall today.
Three hundred and thirty martial arts participants, aged eight to 80 took part in the event. In addition, 33 martial arts groups participated in the championship.
Chow hoped to see more people actively involved in various healthy activities such as martial arts. He allocated RM10,000 for the event.
H’ng was happy to see the resumption of the event after a two-year lapse.
“We want to make Penang one of the well-known places for martial arts,” he said.
Malaysia Crime Prevention & Foundation (MCPF) vice-chairman Datuk Seri Ch’ng Ewe Gee emphasised the importance of promoting martial arts to youngsters.
“We do not want to see our youngsters, who will be the country’s leaders in the future, be influenced by any negative element.
“We will organise more of such events, featuring the different types of traditional martial arts like silat, wushu, taekwondo, karate, and silambam in the future,” he said.
Among those present were state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) president Datuk Seri Hong Yeam Wah, and MCPF senior vice-chairman Datuk Seri Ayub Yacoob.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud