Nation all ‘drummed’ up for event

KUALA LUMPUR: Petaling Street will play host to the “Drumming Up The Nation” event, which has been billed as Malaysia's largest street carnival.


Organised by the Malaysian chapter of the Entrepreneurs Organisation (EO), it promises to be a melting pot of culture as Malaysians from various racial and religious backgrounds come together to usher in the Year of the Snake on Sunday.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the carnival was a fitting prelude to Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2014, for which her ministry has planned a host of novel and exciting events. “The hosting of the VMY 2014 as well as designating 2013 as a preparatory year is timely as a means to further boost tourist arrivals to meet the 2020 target of attracting 36 million tourists and RM168bil in tourist receipts,” she said in a statement.

Though the carnival is mainly about celebrating the lunar new year, it also aims to be a showcase of the “true 1Malaysia spirit of unity, harmony, joy and splendour,” said EO Malaysia chapter president Ronald Khoo.

“It is about celebrating and sharing the strengths of our cultural diversity. “It's also about building a united and common community spirit through festivities, fun activities and food,” he said.

Performers from at least 10 ethnic groups are expected to put up a grand show using 200 drums during the carnival, which is scheduled to be held from 5pm to 10pm.

There will also be an abseiling demonstration by the Armed Forces, an acrobatics show, a performance by the world number one champion Lion Dance Association, a theatrical and lights show on Chinatown's history, live stage performances and a pyrotechnics and fireworks show.

To make way for the carnival, Jalan Sultan will be closed on Feb 17 from 5pm to 10pm. The event is free for all to attend.
-thestar online.