A LIGHTING-up ceremony brightened the Jalan Keliling roundabout in Gelugor, Penang, last night, drawing residents from nearby roads to celebrate Deepavali.
Seri Delima assemblywoman Connie Tan, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh and Bagan Jermal assemblyman Chee Yeeh Keen attended the event. The roundabout’s Tree of Love was illuminated as part of the celebrations.
The light-up was one of several festive decorations sponsored by DS Asia Group this year, including Jalan Joki in Air Itam, the Green Lane Sky Bridge, and Taman Kejiranan Jalan Bunga Raya.
Tan also announced that street lighting had been restored in Taman Buah Pala after years without proper lighting due to strata-related issues.
“After decades without street lighting, we have brought the lights back to Taman Buah Pala this Deepavali. I hope this will be the most wonderful Deepavali gift for all my residents,” she said.
Tan also shared that the state government had agreed to increase the allowances for Village Community Management Council (MPKK) members, with the revised rates taking effect on Jan 1, 2027.
“Whenever there is any issue or disaster, MPKK members will be the first to arrive. I requested the state government to look into their welfare and increase their allowances.
“The state government has agreed, and the increased allowances will take effect from Jan 1, 2027,” she said.
Ramkarpal thanked the Seri Delima constituency for organising the celebration and bringing residents together through festive activities.
“We have seen many such events over the past few years, from Chinese New Year to Hari Raya, and now Deepavali.
“These celebrations are all for you, the people of Seri Delima. I hope we will see many more of these initiatives in the future,” he said.
He also expressed hope that the ongoing highway project linking Farlim to The Light City would open in April or May next year. The project will pass through Bukit Gelugor, from Farlim through Paya Terubong and Air Itam to The Light City.
“This is going to be a very important project for the whole of Bukit Gelugor. We have proposed that it be called Lebuhraya Bukit Gelugor,” he said.
The event culminated in a fireworks display, followed by the distribution of gifts to residents.
Story by Ammar Mikhail Aamer
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan