GEORGE TOWN, February 22 — The annual Penang Miao Hui festival continues to strengthen cultural harmony and enhance the state’s tourism appeal, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said as thousands gathered in the George Town heritage enclave to celebrate the fifth day of the Lunar New Year.
Since its inception in 1999, the festival has evolved into a key cultural platform preserving heritage and fostering unity among Penang’s diverse communities. This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as it coincided with the lead-up to Ramadan.
With places of worship such as Masjid Lebuh Acheh and Sri Mahamariamman Temple opening their doors to promote mutual understanding. Chow reaffirmed the state government’s annual RM500,000 allocation for the event.
Stressing the importance of rejecting racial division and safeguarding unity in multicultural Malaysia. Held within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 27th edition of Penang Chinese New Year Festival (Miao Hui) featured lion and dragon dances, cultural performances, heritage clan house tours and bustling food bazaars, drawing both local and international visitors.
Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, representing Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong Kiong Sing, announced an additional RM150,000 contribution, noting the festival’s role in attracting visitors amid Malaysia’s target of 47 million tourist arrivals.
Chinese Consul-General Zhou Youbin also praised the event for promoting cultural exchange and strengthening Malaysia-China ties, describing Miao Hui as a vibrant symbol of unity in diversity.
