THE Mid-Autumn Festival may be a week away, but many in the Chinese community have already been in the mood to celebrate this traditional Chinese festival that was scrapped for the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This was evident as little children, accompanied by their parents, grandparents or family members, made a beeline to the New World Park and the Komtar Walk for the Tanglung (Lantern) celebrations tonight.
Also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, it is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese Lunar calendar with a full moon at night. It falls on Sept 10 this year. It is usually marked by family reunions with the members enjoying some mooncakes.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow also joined in both celebrations despite his tight schedule, including having a meeting with Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz earlier in the day.
Chow said he was delighted to see the big crowds coming out to celebrate the event as life is slowly returning to normal like in the pre-Covid days.
He said this ‘family value’ is very treasured since he recently launched the ‘LovePenang’ campaign. In addition, the Penang2030 vision that he launched a few years ago also emphasised ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.’
“This year’s Lunar New Year did not return to its usual lively affair, but this Mid-Autumn Festival finally saw the whole family attending and participating in various activities together.
“In particular, lantern-making competitions, and lantern parades allow the children to use their imaginations, while parents who are usually busy with work can also take the opportunity to better understand their children’s thoughts and provide assistance, thereby strengthening the relationship between parents and children.
“The most unique feature of our country is that it is multi-racial and united. Last week’s National Day celebration which all ethnic groups attended as a family is proof. Only by maintaining a harmonious society can the country continue to move forward.
“Love our family, love the society, love Penang, love Malaysia! Finally, I hope you all enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival tonight and have fun,” Chow said during his speech at New World Park.
Also present were Thailand consul-general in Penang Raschada Jiwalai, Chow’s service centre special adviser Lau Keng Ee, MPKK Jalan Transfer/Jalan Argyll chairman Mak Tong Lee and Toi Shan Association chairman Ng Kwan Fook.
Chow also thanked the MPKK Jalan Transfer/Jalan Argyll and Toi Shan Association for organising the event at New World Park.
After enjoying some of the kids’ performances at the New World Park, Chow proceeded to Komtar Walk where another tanglung festival was in progress.
Another big crowd was already there, as singers and a lion dance troupe entertained them.
Chow said the Komtar Walk was reopened to the public in May this year after an RM2.1 million renovation by Penang Development Corporation.
He said in just a few months after its reopening, several events had taken place there.
He added that seven shops there had been rented out and when they open their doors soon, the place would be even livelier.
For family time, he encouraged parents to take their children to the dinosaur theme part on the 5th floor of Komtar, or Tech Dome Penang to learn more about science, and also take part in other activities that are held now and then at Prangin Mall and 1st Avenue.
Also present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Penang Island City Council councillors Wong Yuee Harng and Alan Lim Wei Lun, Tech Dome Penang chief executive officer Khoo Boo Wooi, 1st Avenue Penang general manager C.C. Yeap, Prangin Mall JMC chairman Datuk H’ng Ban Choon and The Top Group human resources and operations director Dennis Lim.
They and other attendees were treated to a Chinese drum performance and a short Teochew opera show.
Teh, who is also Chow’s political secretary, said he appreciated the teamwork of the George Town City Centre (GTCC) members like 1st Avenue, Prangin Mall, PDC Setia Urus, ICT Mall Komtar, Tech Dome Penang, and The Top, for ensuring the programme ran smoothly.
He said this year’s festival celebration was more meaningful as it was not held for the past two years.
Besides holding the tanglung festival, he said other events that were held at Komtar Walk recently were the opening ceremony of GTCC, I Love Komtar Walk and Honda motorcycle service programmes.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud