Klang to host national-level Deepavali open house on Nov 24

photo: Tourism Malaysia

PETALING JAYA: The national-level Deepavali celebration will be held in Klang on Nov 24.

Klang MP Charles Santiago said his constituency was chosen to host both the state and federal-level celebrations this year.

The state-organised Deepavali celebration was held at Tugu Kelana last Sunday while the Deepavali 2018 open house by the Tourism Ministry will take place from 10am to 11.30pm at Kompleks Sukan Pandamaran on Nov 24.

“A later date was chosen owing to the current wet spell and thunderstorms,” Santiago said.

Events such as traditional performances by local artistes and a Deepavali idol singing contest have been lined up.

Batu Kawan MP Kasthuriraani Patto, who was on her Deepavali rounds in her constituency, said the celebration was toned down this year.

“Besides the wet weather, I suppose the people are heeding the advice by the Health Minister to go easy on sugar during festivities,” she said.

Last year, the national-level celebration was held at Ladang Infoternak Sungai Siput in Perak.

In Nibong Tebal, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy said a spirited multiracial Malaysia could be seen during festive open houses.

“The uniqueness of Malaysia is its multiracial people and the spirit of togetherness.

“These open houses are meant for the people from all races to come together and enjoy the celebration, and I am glad that the number of guests here is increasing,” he said during his Deepavali open house at his home in Villa Mutiara, Simpang Ampat yesterday.

Among the over 100 guests were DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, state secretary Datuk Seri Farizan Darus, state exco members Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain and Zairil Khir Johari and Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang.

The guests were treated to an array of local Indian cuisines.

Meanwhile, five Deepavali babies were delivered at the Lam Wah Ee Hospital in Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim, Jelutong.

Fashion designer Aden Yong, 36, and his wife Tam Sook Ling, 32, welcomed their second son at 1.39am on Deepavali Day.

“He is an Alleycats baby!” exclaimed proud grandfather Tam Fook Meng, who is an ex-Alleycats band member.

“He was supposed to be due on Nov 12, but he chose to arrive today,” Yong said, adding the baby weighed 2.925kg.

-thestar online.