By Sofia Nasir
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 1 — City dwellers can now experience the rural ambience at the Chinese New Year Balik Kampung Cultural Festival, which kickstarted today at the Pavilion Bukit Jalil shopping centre.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the four-day event gathers some 100 small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) from Chinese new villages statewide, who will be operating from their respective booths.
The programme, organised by the state government and now in its second year, offers SMEs the chance to promote their local products and generate their economy.
“The festival helps open the public’s eyes to the economic activities of rural residents, especially the Chinese community’s customs and traditions.
“We are confident the programme will enliven the Chinese New Year celebration this year while helping the public learn more about other communities,” he told the press at the event today.
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Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari (second from left) receives a hamper from state executive councillor for tourism Dato’ Ng Suee Lim (right) during the Chinese New Year Balik Kampung Cultural Festival, at the Pavilion Bukit Jalil shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
Earlier, Amirudin and his wife Datin Seri Masdiana Muhamad visited the booths on display and spent time mingling with visitors at the festival.
The programme, which was also attended by state executive councillor for investment Ng Sze Han and state executive councillor for tourism Dato’ Ng Suee Lim, also features various other activities, like cultural performances and traditional games.
Meanwhile, Ng said they target RM2 million in sales revenue and about 100,000 visitors throughout the four-day festival.
He said the programme also highlights the uniqueness of each Chinese new village.
“We have 77 such villages in Selangor. I hope this festival will help boost the respective local economies and enhance the Chinese New Year festive atmosphere,” Ng said.
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Children placing wishes for good luck and prosperity onto a fortune tree at the Chinese New Year Balik Kampung Cultural Festival, at the Pavilion Bukit Jalil shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
