THE public can look forward to exciting events and a giant eco-Christmas tree in December this year.
The state Women and Family Development, Gender Inclusiveness and Religions Other than Islam Committee and the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) Penang are organising the Experience Christmas in Penang 2019. They have listed a series of events, all happening in December!
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that most religions promote the spirit of giving, loving one another and being kind to others.
“As such, the celebration would like to highlight similar values taught by most religions; in line with its theme ‘A Season of Love, Joy and Peace’,” Chow told a press conference at his office in Komtar today.
Shutterbugs should not miss the chance to take nice photos of the 8m-tall eco-Christmas tree; to be made of steel structures and recyclable items such as bottles, plastics and aluminium cans.
The tree, which is set to break the Malaysia Book of Records, will be displayed near the City Hall for the whole month of December.
Chow said celebration would also see the poor, needy and orphans being assisted.
“A project, called ‘Grant A Wish’, will be organised in conjunction with the Christmas celebration. Churches will be helping to identify the homes in the respective community, while home managers or caretakers will discuss and identify the needs of the homes,” he said.
An event called the Christmas Charity Performance – The Meaning of Christmas will be held on Dec 1 at Wesley Methodist School Penang (International) where visitors can enjoy the performances such as stage-play, choir and mime put up by churches in Penang.
Tickets are sold at RM10 each and proceeds will go to the ‘Grant A Wish’ fund.
Meanwhile, from Dec 6 to 8, the public should head over to the Esplanade to visit the Christmas Market.
“The three-evening event is no ordinary ‘pasar malam’ (night market). The Christmas Market will feature about 40 specially-decorated stalls selling food, beverage, gifts and many more.
“The Christmas Market will operate from 5pm to 11pm,” he said.
The public should keep a lookout for the main highlights during their visit – the mouth-watering pulled-chicken burger, sausages, goulash and churros.
The eco-Christmas tree will be lighted up during the Grand Finale night on Dec 8. There will also be stage performances, Christmas carols, presentation of gifts to the beneficiaries of ‘Grant A Wish’ and more.
Chow thanked the organising committees, the Penang Island City Council, CFM Penang, strategic partners – IJM Land Berhad, Green Hero, Riicyle – and those who are involved in the celebration.
State Women and Family Development, Gender Inclusiveness and Religions Other than Islam Committee chairman Chong Eng welcomed the public to join in the event.
Also present were Penang Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, IJM Land Berhad senior general manager (northern region) Datuk Toh Chin Leong, Green Hero founder Calvin Chan and Riicyle director Chew Chin Huat.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi