GEORGE TOWN, February 25 — Thousands of devotees and visitors thronged Pengkalan Weld and Chew Jetty on the eve of the Jade Emperor’s Birthday, marking the 119th year of the grand celebration in Penang.
Beginning as early as 6pm on the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, worshippers offered fruits, flowers, traditional kuih, roast meats and elaborate paper effigies at the altar in front of Chao Yuan Kong temple, praying for health and prosperity.
The festival, deeply rooted in Hokkien folklore, commemorates the community’s gratitude to the Jade Emperor for protection, symbolised by sugarcane stalks displayed prominently during the prayers.
The vibrant celebration featured multicultural performances including a Chinese orchestra, Wushu showcase and a high-pole lion dance, culminating in a fireworks display after midnight.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described the event as a significant religious and cultural tradition reflecting Penang’s multicultural harmony, while also addressing concerns over Temporary Occupation Licence conditions affecting clan jetty residents.
Pledging a balanced solution to preserve heritage and protect livelihoods. Leaders including Lim Guan Eng and Steven Sim Chee Keong were among those present as fireworks lit up the night sky in a festive climax to one of Penang’s signature Chinese New Year events.
