12,0000 People To Take Part In Wesak Day Procession In Melaka

MELAKA, May 11 (Bernama) -- A total 12,000 people especially young Buddhists are expected to take part in the Wesak Day procession on May 20, said the Melaka Office of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

Its Industry Development Unit chief Husyamuddin Jamari said the procession, organised by the Seck Kia Eenh Buddhist Association, was an annual event and was categoried as religious tourism which could lure local and foreign participations.

He said the procession, from 7 pm to 11 pm, would also have 45 decorated cars and would involve a distance of six kilometres from Jalan Gajah Berang.

"The event will only be feted in three states, namely, in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Melaka and will be a focus of attention as it will be held on a weekend," he told a press conference here, Wednesday.

Also present were Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, Melaka Office director Datuk Lim Chow Beng and Seck Kia Eenh Buddhist Association president, Chee Swee Hoon.

Commenting further, Hisyamuddin said the procession would pass through Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan Tun Ali (Soon Seng Plaza), Jalan Mutahir, Jalan Tun Sri Lanang, Jalan Bendahara, Jalan Laksamana, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Jalan Tengkera before returning to Jalan Gajah Berang.

He said there would be no road closure but the authorities would monitor the traffic flow along the route to ensure the event would proceed smoothly.

Meanwhile, Chee said the association would distribute items of daily need such as rice, oil, sugar and angpow to 1,000 needy people, who had to register at its office in Wisma Seck Kia Eenh, from May 28.
-bernama.