THE Penang Miao Hui continues to attract thousands of visitors from all walks of life to the George Town heritage enclave, celebrating the fifth day of the Lunar New Year in a vibrant display of culture and tradition.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stated that the annual celebration, which commenced in 1999, continues to reflect a strong community spirit through the active participation of clan associations and the steadfast support of Penangites.
“To be very honest, I think I have lost count of how many times I have attended this Miao Hui. Year after year, I see the same strong spirit, the same dedication from our clans and associations, and the same warm support from the people of Penang. That is why this festival continues to grow and remain meaningful,” he said in his speech.
He noted that this year’s celebration was particularly meaningful as the Chinese New Year fell close to the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, allowing visitors to appreciate the significance of both occasions.
“Tonight, here at the Miao Hui, we witness something very meaningful — two important occasions coming together. As visitors walk through the festival, they can celebrate Chinese New Year and, at the same time, learn about the spirit of Ramadan,” he said.
Chow welcomed the participation of places of worship that opened their doors to the public as part of the event.
“I am especially happy that Masjid Lebuh Acheh and Sri Mahamariamman Kuil are opening their doors to visitors. This allows everyone to better understand one another’s traditions and beliefs. This is something special. This is Penang,” he said.
Since its inception in 1999, the Penang Miao Hui has evolved into more than just a festive event and has become an important platform for preserving heritage and passing down cultural values.
“It is a platform to share our history, our stories and our values with the younger generation. We want our young people to know where we come from so they can move forward with confidence,” he said.
Chow said Penang continues to serve as a model of unity in diversity, with people of different races, religions and cultures living together in mutual respect.
“In Penang, we have many races, many religions and many cultures — yet we live together with respect and dignity. This is our strength. This is our identity,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of rejecting racial sentiments and safeguarding national unity.
“I strongly reject any sentiment of racial divide. In a country like Malaysia, with many ethnic and cultural communities, we must protect unity at all times,” he said.
Chow said it was wrong for certain groups to manipulate racial issues for their own interests and warned that social media could further amplify divisive sentiments.
“It is wrong when certain interest groups use racial issues to push their own narratives in ways that create misunderstanding and division. Not to mention also how nowadays social media algorithms indirectly further echo such sentiments. That is not the Malaysia we believe in. That is not the Penang we practice,” he said.
He added that the Penang Miao Hui demonstrates how culture can promote understanding and strengthen ties among communities.
Chow also reaffirmed the Penang state government’s financial commitment to the annual festival.
“As with previous years, the Penang state government will continue to raise and allocate RM500,000 for the organisation of the Miao Hui every year, and this year we have fulfilled that commitment as well,” he added.
Chow also expressed appreciation to clan associations, community groups, volunteers and the Penang Cultural Inheritors Society for their efforts in keeping traditions alive in George Town.
Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, representing Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong Kiong Sing, announced a contribution of RM150,000 to support the organisation of the Miao Hui.
The Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman described the festival as an important platform that reflects Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity and fosters meaningful encounters among people of different backgrounds.
“Miao Hui is a unique cultural event that showcases the beauty of Malaysia’s multicultural heritage. Through this festival, visitors can experience traditional performances, heritage practices and local customs that reflect the harmony of our diverse communities,” he said.
He noted that the event, held within the Unesco World Heritage Site of George Town, has gained increasing recognition internationally and continues to attract both local and foreign tourists.
“With Malaysia set to welcome about 47 million visitors and targeting more than six million tourists from China, events such as Miao Hui play an important role in strengthening cultural tourism and encouraging more visitors to experience Penang’s heritage and traditions,” he added.
Yeoh said Miao Hui has become one of the key cultural attractions that help position Penang as a vibrant tourism destination while preserving and promoting traditional culture for future generations.
Chinese Consul-General in Penang Zhou Youbin said that for many years, the Miao Hui has played an important role in preserving and promoting Chinese cultural traditions, and this year’s celebration marks the 27th edition of the festival.
“Miao Hui represents the rich cultural and festive customs that have kept Chinese culture vibrant and flourishing across generations. It is encouraging to see this long-standing event continue to grow while maintaining its strong cultural roots,” he said.
He noted that this year’s participation of Masjid Kapitan Keling reflects the spirit of unity in diversity through cultural exchange and mutual appreciation among different communities.
“This meaningful participation demonstrates how cultural traditions can bring people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds together through mutual learning and understanding. We warmly welcome people from all communities to join the celebrations, witness traditions such as the tossing of yee sang, and experience the strong friendship between China and Malaysia,” he added.
Zhou said events like Miao Hui not only preserve heritage but also strengthen people-to-people ties and deepen cultural connections between China and Malaysia.
Among those present were state Social Development, Non-Islamic Religious and Welfare Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Penang Chinese Clan Council chairman Ho Swee Choon, Penang Chinese Town Hall chairman Tan Sri Dr Tan Khoon Hai, Penang Cultural Inheritors Society chairman Kwoh Shoo Chen, and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis and Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Siew Chia En