A SEA of red lanterns now adorns four main roads in the Tanjong parliamentary constituency, with a total of 1,635 lanterns — including 450 along Lebuh Light — installed in conjunction with the Chinese New Year 2026 celebrations.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the lantern installations were part of efforts to enhance the festive atmosphere while strengthening unity and harmony among the community.
“The lanterns do not merely beautify the surroundings, but also symbolise togetherness, harmony and shared hopes for peace and prosperity in the new year,” he said at the lantern lighting ceremony in Lebuh Light tonight.
Chow commended Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying for spearheading the initiative, saying it added vibrancy to the city and provided a meaningful festive experience for both residents and visitors.
“This effort not only livens up the city during the festive season, but also allows locals and tourists to experience the warmth and cultural richness of Tanjong,” he said.
Chow, who is also the Padang Kota assemblyman, said the installation of lanterns played an important role in fostering cohesion in Penang’s multi-racial society.
In his speech, Chow said his final term as chief minister is focused on leaving behind a meaningful legacy for the state, anchored on a strong economy, sustainable development and improved quality of life.
“My intention is not just to complete this term, but to ensure Penang remains economically resilient, develops sustainably and continues to provide a good living environment for the people,” he said, in line with the Penang2030 vision.
He mentioned several key development projects had been approved through close cooperation with the Federal Government, with many already at the construction stage.
“Moving into 2026, the state government will continue to implement major infrastructure and economic projects that will create more jobs and further improve the living environment,” he said.
Chow added that the state government remains committed to inclusive development to ensure no community is left behind.
He thanked the Tanjong Parliamentary Service Centre and the organising committee for hosting the event.
Lim, in her speech, expressed appreciation to sponsors and partners who contributed to the success of the programme, noting that the lantern installation at Lebuh Light was sponsored by United Builders Sdn Bhd and Pierfront Sdn Bhd (Penang Sea Group), while refreshments were supported by Kota Dine & Coffee.
Lim said beyond the main installations, more than 900 additional lanterns had been distributed to community organisations and temples, bringing the overall number of lanterns in Tanjong to over 2,500 this festive season.
“This collective effort has truly transformed Tanjong into a vibrant and festive constituency during the Chinese New Year celebrations,” she said.
Among those present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, councillors Foo Yu Keong and Alan Lim, Pierfront Sdn Bhd managing director Nigel Law, United Builders Sdn Bhd managing director Kenny Ooi, Hong Leong Bank Northern Region 2 Regional general manager Cheah Chew Yen, and Hong Leong Bank Lebuh Light branch manager Lucas Wong.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Law Suun Ting