THOUSANDS of people had a delightful time at the Karnival ❤️ Penang here at the Esplanade.
Besides enjoying the wonderful array of street food offerings, visitors were also entertained by local and international artistes such as Datuk David Arumugam, Acidic Bunch, Jaclyn Victor, Faizal Tahir, PongPong, Santesh and Shawn Lee.
There were also performances by Euphoria Penang and Wak Long Music & Art Centre for arts and heritage lovers.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow thanked the visitors for coming to the Karnival ❤️ Penang, which was specially brought to them.
Speaking about Covid-19, Chow said the coronavirus pandemic has tested and challenged the people in ways they have never imagined.
“Many people were affected. However, what makes me feel moved is the spirit of unity shown by the people of Penang.
“Everyone continued to develop Penang on the world stage.
“The love shown by all of you (Anak Pulau Pinang) towards our beloved state has inspired the Penang government to launch the LovePENANG campaign.
“The main objective of the programme is to enliven the people’s social interaction during post Covid-19 pandemic.
“Various initiatives and activities have been implemented since the launch of the LovePENANG campaign on June 10 last year.
“Among them are the Jelajah ❤️ Penang tour series, the launch of the LovePENANG website and social media to foster close relationships among society,” he said in his speech during the opening of the carnival this evening.
The carnival was part of the LovePENANG campaign.
Chow said the Karnival ❤️ Penang was a celebration of love for the state and country, cuisines, unity, arts, culture, and heritage.
“This proves that the Penang government cares for the people, as well as listens and appreciates the people’s voice,” he said.
Chow added that the year 2023 should be the time for everyone to emerge stronger as a team, and work harder towards realising the Penang2030 vision.
“Penang is a state full of inspiration. We have achieved many successes even though we are the second smallest state in terms of land area. Penang has managed to attract foreign and local investments, and create job opportunities for all.
“This year, the state government will continue its recovery efforts of sectors impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“These efforts will be in line with the Phase 2 of the Penang2030 vision as a strategy to complete the state’s Covid-19 recovery plan and accelerate its achievement,” he said.
Chow said the state government is committed to developing Penang in a sustainable manner, which would contribute to increasing job opportunities, business and investment as well as economic growth to improve the people’s living standards.
“The interests of the people of Penang are always safeguarded through inclusive and holistic government policies,” he added.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Telok Ayer Tawar assemblyman Datuk Mustafa Kamal Ahmad, Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, and Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Siew Chia En and Nasrul Amir
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat