NEARLY 3,000 red lanterns have been put up at certain areas in Seberang Perai in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year.
Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) councillor David Marshel said the areas involved are Chai Leng Park in Perai, Nibong Tebal Industrial Park and Dewan Datuk Haji Ahmad Badawi in Butterworth.
“It is an initiative by the city council to decorate certain spots in the mainland to enliven the Chinese New Year atmosphere.
“For Chai Leng Park, we put about 1,200 red lanterns, Nibong Tebal Industrial Park (500) and at Dewan Datuk Haji Ahmad Badawi (800).
“The total cost of all the red lanterns is RM264,562. All the tanglung lights will be up until Feb 15,” said Marshel in his speech before taking part in the launching of the tanglung lights at Chai Leng Park in Prai tonight.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, who is also the Prai assemblyman, state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng and state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh.
Speaking about the programme, Marshel said MBSP also has set up a special ornate archway at the main entrance to Chai Leng Park near the Pearl View Hotel.
“The special ornate archway can change its colour every minute to six different colours. Thus, this can also ignite the Lunar New Year mood here,” he added.
Ramasamy also announced that he would be giving 1,200 hampers soon to his Prai constituents as a Chinese New Year present.
“I also would like to convey my Chinese New Year wishes to the Prai community,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad