The first-ever Penang police contingent Chinese New Year open house was a smashing success with thousands of people attending the festive event in Sungai Ara.
Heavy rain, which had battered the site in the early afternoon, abated just before cars started to arrive, leaving a comfortable, cool atmosphere that lasted the whole night.
The open house site — covering a basketball court and a surrounding open space on Jalan Sungai Ara 1 — was transformed with massive tents erected around a large stage and seating area.
And at 7.30pm, the food started to be dished out. There were rice with rendang, curry chicken and achar (pickled vegetables), ikan bakar (grilled fish), laksa, rojak, satay, fresh fruits and a variety of kuih.
There was also long lines for koay teow basah (fried rice noodles in gravy) and ais kacang.
“This is my first time at an open house. I was worried there wouldn’t be enough food, but there’s plenty and the hospitality is great,” said Cangkat Sungai Ara resident Scott Choo, 31.
While scores of people sat at tables or on stools enjoying the food, groups of performers took to the stage to provide the entertainment.
Among the memorable acts during the night were performances of 24-season drums, wuhsu and lion dances on high stilts.
The crowd was then treated to a colourful fireworks display that lit up the night sky for five minutes.
In his speech, state police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Ayub Yaakob said he was heartened by the number of visitors who came dressed in their Rukun Tetangga, Volunteer Patrol Squads and Community Policing uniforms.
“This is a positive sign that many realise that it takes a collective effort to keep Penang safe,” he said.
Other guests included Penang MCA deputy chairman Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun, Teluk Bahang assemblyman Datuk Seri Hilmi Yahaya, Pulau Betong assemblyman Muhammad Farid Saad and Barisan Nasional co-ordinators David Yim (Bayan Baru), Wong Mun Hoe (Pantai Jerejak) and Goh Kheng Sneah (Batu Uban).
The open house on Sunday was co-organised by the Southwest District Residents Association.
Over in Butterworth, more than 300 people thronged the Chinese New Year open house hosted by the Bagan MCA division.
The event was held outside the Bagan MCA division office and it was well attended by several leaders from the Barisan Nasional component parties and, also residents living in the area.
The highlight of the event was the ceremonial tossing of yee sang, which created a festive atmosphere.
Bagan MCA division chief Loo Khay Thye said he was delighted to see the big crowd.
He also took the opportunity to thank Barisan Nasional coordinator for Bagan, David Chua, for obtaining a federal allocation of RM10,000 to replace the water pump at the low cost flat at Taman Pantai Bersih in Butterworth.
- The Star - Metro North
