THOUSANDS of people thronged the Chinese New Year Open House hosted by the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce with Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng at Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas today.
The open house, which started around 10am, was also attended by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas, his wife Toh Puan Majimor Shariff and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
The guests enjoyed a variety of food while being entertained by some energetic and captivating performances from various Chinese groups and associations.
The highlights included a lion dance, singing, orchestra and cultural dance performances.
Many people also could be seen taking photos with Lim and Chow.
According to Lim, the open house this year received a huge crowd like in the previous years.
“As we can see, plenty of people are at the open house today just like last year.
“Thus, I would like to say thank you to those who come today to celebrate the Chinese New Year together.
“I also hope in the spirit of Chinese New Year, the people in the country will continue to live together in peace and harmony,” he told reporters after the event today.
Earlier, Lim and Chow, together with some state executive councillors, assemblymen and ministers, took part in the yee sang tossing ceremony to usher in good luck and prosperity in the Lunar New Year.
Speaking on another matter, Lim announced that road users who are currently enjoying the existing 20% discount for Penang Bridge toll via their Touch ‘n Go cards would be eligible as well to receive another 18% discount.
“This is to clear some misunderstanding regarding this matter,” Lim added.
Previously, it was announced that by Feb 1, several highways under Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan (Plus), would receive an 18% discount on the toll rate.
During the open house, among the honourable guests present were Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy, state Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, State Assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud.
Other distinguished guests were Domestic Trade and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Minister Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Marzuki Yahya, Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong, who is also Deputy of Youth and Sports Minister, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud