By Alang Bendahara
SHAH ALAM, Feb 1 — Selangor will hold a special virtual programme on social media platforms to usher in the Chinese New Year on February 12.
State Standing Committee on Non-Islamic Affairs co-chairman Dato’ Teng Chang Khim said the show themed New Year, New Hope (Tahun Baru, Harapan Baru) will be broadcasted on Selangor Menteri Besar’s Facebook page and shared on multiple Chinese media social media platforms.
He said previously, the state had held the state-level Chinese New Year Open House Celebrations at the Dataran Petaling Jaya in Petaling Jaya.
“Due to the current situation of the Covid-19 pandemic which does not allow organising of major events and mass gathering, the state decided to hold the state-level Chinese New Year Celebration online.
“Covid-19 cases are still high in Selangor, if the state annual event is held physically, it would risk spreading the virus, thus going virtual is the best alternative along with the new norm for the Chinese community to enjoy the festive season in their homes,” he said in a virtual press conference today.
Teng said that going virtual would also give the chance for other races in Selangor and throughout the country to enjoy the celebration.
Teng said the 68-minute long show costing RM404,000 will commence on the first day of the Chinese New Year at 9pm.
He said 12 performances will be featured in the show from involving music, dances, and cultural show, as well as lion dance.
“The show will be produced by famous director and will also feature award-winning performers,” he added.
Also to be included in the show are Chinese New Year address from Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari and messages from the state executive councillors.
“This is the first time any state will be holding this kind of celebration online so we have not set any target of viewership as it is unprecedented,” he said.
Teng also urged people in Selangor to join their ongoing contest “Kempen Tahun Baru Cina Ucap & Menang” (Chinese New Year Wish and Win Campaign) on social media.
“The campaign started on January 24 and ends on February 3 at 11.59pm, we will select three most creative entry and each winner will get a RM168 angpow, which is a lucky number in the Chinese community,” he said.
The following is the list of the performances:
1. Emcees’ Talk Show – Soo Wee Seng & Soo Rui Yang
2. Reunion – Hands Percussion Malaysia
3. Reminiscence – Han Fong Dance Ensemble
4. The Conqueror – Sara Heng & Hands Percussion Malaysia
5. Don’t Worry, My Dear – Fresco Harmonica Ensemble
6. Teochew Puppet Documentary -Teochew Puppet & Opera
7. A New Bloom – Ong Chia Kun & Howz & Jimmy Ch’ng
8. Lion Dance Documentary -The King of Lion Dance
9. Lion Dance -Subang Hong Teck
10. Horse Dance – Shui Tung Fang Band
11. CNY Song 2021 – Tha Jie Ying
12. Gong Xi Gong Xi – Selangor Exco
