Stalls at the Balik Kampung CNY Fest 2024 in Pavilion Bukit Jalil shopping centre, Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star
A FESTIVE bazaar in conjunction of Chinese New Year brought together entrepreneurs from over 77 Chinese new villages from across nine districts in Selangor.
Some 100 stalls took part in the four-day bazaar at Pavilion Bukit Jalil shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur.
It featured stalls selling traditional wear, food and beverages, arts and crafts as well as decorative items.
The Balik Kampung CNY Fest 2024 was attended by various Chinese communities like the Hainan, Teochew and Hokkien to showcase their culture and traditions.
(From left) Selangor Speaker Lau Weng San, Nga, Chinese Embassy in Malaysia minister Zheng Xuefang, Ng and Pavilion Real Estate Investment Trust independent non-executive director Datuk Choo Chuo Siong at the launch of the bazaar.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who launched the bazaar on Feb 1, congratulated the Selangor government for organising it.
“It is a testament to the state government’s commitment towards cultivating the spirit of togetherness among Malaysians, in line with the Madani values.
“Our differences, such as race, culture and religion should not divide us but instead strengthen our unity,” he said.
State investment, trade and mobility committee chairman Ng Sze Han said the scale of the bazaar had doubled this year compared to 2023.
A little boy taking part in the Cantonese practice of villain hitting during the bazaar.
“We target RM2mil in sales,” he said, adding that the event was aimed at helping entrepreneurs gain a footing in business.
State local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim hoped the Balik Kampung CNY Fest 2024 would promote the unique heritage of these new villages.
“We also hope to attract tourists, foreign and local, to learn about the various cultures and customs here,” he added.
At the fest, eight booths were set up to allow visitors to learn about Chinese dialects, folklore and traditional customs.
They included the Cantonese’s Da Siu Yan (villain hitting ritual), Hokkien’s Bai Tian Gong (praying to the Jade Emperor) and Hakka’s Bu Tian Chuan (mending the sky).
Activities such as lion dances, 24 festive drum performances and a stage play enlivened the atmosphere.
