Malay-majority residential area holds CNY gathering
ABOUT 180 residents of Pr1ma@Kamunting, Perak, from various ethnic backgrounds flocked to a Chinese New Year open house in their neighbourhood.

Themed “Auspicious Dragon Chinese New Year Celebration”, the gathering was held by the Pr1ma@Kamunting Association at its multipurpose hall.

The event started with the singing of the national anthem, followed by a lion dance performance.

Association chairman Mohammad Safwan Ariffin, organising chairman Tony Law Weng Chung and former chairman Abdul Rauff Tajudin, who was the guest of honour, then set off firecrackers to launch the event.

Guests were treated to a buffet spread and yee sang tossing.

The residents also took part in a fai chun (Chinese calligraphy) session on red paper to wish for luck, happiness and prosperity.

A lucky draw saw 13 residents going home with food hampers.

Mohammad Safwan gave out red packets to children while Abdul Rauff was presented with a small token from Law.

Mohammad Safwan giving out ang pow at the event.

The organising committee members were also presented with food vouchers.

When launching the event, Mohammad Safwan said it was the first time such a celebration had been held since the residential area was completed in 2017.

He said the activity was aimed at promoting harmony and integration.

“Even though most of the residents here are Malay, we want to take this opportunity to share Chinese culture and foster closer ties,” he said.

“We cherish the special characteristics of different cultures.”

Law explained that the organising committee began planning the celebration in December.

“We had initially wanted to include two Chinese dances and a 24-festive drum performance but could not due to budget issues.

“We are grateful for the support of residents and hope to get sponsorship to organise this celebration next year,” he added.
Kamunting,Chinese New Year,Celebration,Multiracial,Pr1ma
ABOUT 180 residents of Pr1ma@Kamunting, Perak, from various ethnic backgrounds flocked to a Chinese New Year open house in their neighbourhood.