LONG-TIME RESIDENT CONTINUES TRADITION OF DECORATING VILLAGE FOR CNY

By Sarinah Mat Kasim

PORT DICKSON, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- At 69, Lim Kee Yong shows that age is no barrier to making efforts in bringing the Chinese New Year festivity to life by painting a mural beside his eatery in Pengkalan Kempas here.

Lim said his excitement about preparing for the festivity, decorating his home and the surrounding area, remains as strong as ever.

A Bernama check found him diligently beautifying his shop, hanging lanterns and painting the mural themed on the year’s zodiac animal.

“Last year I painted a snake, and this year, the year of the Horse, I repainted the wall white and drew a horse. I’ll keep doing the same for the years ahead.

“This is my fourth year painting murals and putting up festive decorations here, all free of charge,” he said, adding that the decorative items and painting supplies are sourced from the village’s association.

A resident of the village for more than 40 years, Lim said that besides murals, lanterns and ornamental flowering plants also adorn the old town.

He said that while the 200-year-old town is less lively than before, upgrades continue without affecting its historic buildings.

Meanwhile, David Ng, 50, the chairman of the Pengkalan Kempas Culture and Tourism Association, said that about RM10,000 is spent each year decorating the area for the Chinese New Year celebrations, adding that public donations are used to organise various activities, including decorating the village, home to about 130 residents.

He said Pengkalan Kempas is also a popular spot among anglers, especially those targeting giant freshwater prawns.

“I hope the initiative will foster unity and responsibility among the villagers and keep the village beautiful, comfortable and harmonious,” he added.

-- BERNAMA