Thousands of people flocked to Kampung Solimpodon Laut here for the Chinese New Year 1 Malaysia Fiesta Pitas Level held over the weekend.

Many did not mind the hot weather since the first day of the celebration as they began to arrive at the village in the Pitas district, waiting patiently for the annual event launching ceremony of the 2018 Malaysia’s book of record longest CNY festival on Saturday.

As the clock struck 7.15pm, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun was greeted by the dragon dance performance and immediately launched the celebration with Yee Sang tossing and beating the lion dance gong, while 19 Malaysian artistes including Jamal Abdillah, Ziana Zain and Zamain entertained the visitors, villagers and invitees.

Six local dance troupes from six local ethnics of Kimaragang, Sonsogon, Rungus, Bajau and Tambanuo added to the festive atmosphere by giving a  cultural dance performance.

To spice up the state annual event, a number of sports games were organised include inter-district volleyball, futsal and sepak takraw.

Along the street of the open hall venue were a variety of stalls selling local delicacies and goods, including cookies and handicraft provided by the organiser.

Fireworks display lit the night sky in the village, while 18 beauty queen contests from various districts beautified the event.

Organising chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ruddy Awah said it was his vision and initiative to have the event organised annually as it was a continuous tradition from his late father and his family.

“My late father always wanted to have an extravagant programme in his hometown and with the assistance of the people here, our dream has come true,” he said.

Dr Ruddy who is also vice president of Pribumi Sabah and Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association Pitas chairman, said the festival was aimed at bringing life to the sleepy town.

“I want to create a joyous and happy atmosphere to celebrate Chinese New Year every year.

“We decided to open up our space for hawkers during the week-long holiday that will help spur the economic activities here and further promote our traditional Chinese culture,” he said.

Dr Ruddy said the event could strengthen ties between races and the multi- racial community here could live harmoniously.

He thanked the people in Pitas, especially in Kampung Solimpodon for making the event a success.

“I was worried at first that we would have problems holding the event because of a shortage in manpower, but we realised our dream as everyone is playing their part,” he said.

Source:
courtesy of THE BORNEO POST

by BORNEO POST

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