


2 March, JOHOR BAHRU – Lunar New Year festivities in Johor were brought to a fitting close by HM The Sultan of Johor on 2nd March with the launch of a grand ‘Chap Goh Mei’ celebration in Danga Bay, Johor Bahru.
Chap Goh Mei marks the 15th night of Chinese New Year in Hokkien, which also signifies the end of the Lunar New Year celebration.
The event was organised by Iskandar Waterfront Holdings (IWH), which is the master developer of the massive Danga Bay waterfront area in the heart of Iskandar Malaysia.
His Majesty’s arrival was greeted by IWH executive vice chairman Tan Sri Lim Kang Hoo, State Exco Member Datuk Tee Siew Kiong and several others.
Some 1,000 guests, including community leaders, corporate chieftains, government officers and charity groups attended the colourful event held at the Danga Bay Convention Centre.
Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, who donned a white short-sleeved shirt with clearly visible Chinese wording ‘Ji’ which means ‘auspicious’, looked happy and relaxed as he exchanged greetings with the guests.
He also handed out ‘ang pow’ packets to several people from charity homes, who were among the invitees.
The event featuring the traditional lion dance, ‘yee sang’ (a prosperity dish common in Chinese homes at the beginning of the year that symbolises abundance and prosperity) and the distribution of mandarin oranges, also included cultural dances, a 24 Chinese drum show and singing performances before ending with a sumptuous lunch.
This is the third Chinese New Year function for His Majesty, who previously also attended two ‘open houses’. He is scheduled to grace the annual ‘Chingay’ festival on 8th March.