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THE Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse, is set to make an auspicious debut with the festivities being commemorated with the start of the Holy Ramadan Month where Muslims observe fasting from dawn to dusk.
With this in mind and as a mark of respect to Muslims, Penang will shift their traditional official open house from the second day to the first day of the Lunar New Year on February 17 (Tuesday).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who announced this, said that with the shifting, Muslims can also enjoy the New Year delicacies before observing the religious Ramadan fasting period the next day.
Ramadan this year, is expected to begin on February 18 (Wednesday).
Some regions may observe the first day of fasting on Thursday depending on local moon sightings.
Chow said that the open invitation is to all to attend the traditional open house - a unique feature of Malaysia's diverse ethnicities, which will be held at Setia SPICE Arena off Bayan Baru.
"It is particularly special, as it will be held on the first day of the Chinese New Year, unlike previous years, when it took place on the second day."
“This adjustment was made as Muslims are expected to begin the month of Ramadan on the second day of the New Year. By holding it on the first day, we hope our Muslim friends will also be able to join us in celebrating this festive occasion."
The open house will take place from 2pm to 4.30pm, and promises a vibrant celebration steeped in culture and togetherness, Chow told a press conference.
The event is expected to be graced by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and his consort Toh Puan Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah.
Meanwhile, hoteliers are busy with the double observation with the kitchens having to work extra hard to ready two separate menus within days.
Some hotels have decided to hold a buffet spread while some set meal offerings to lure as many diners as possible.
In Langkawi, the Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah hotel showcased two menus for the diners to sample.
In a media preview, the hotel's general manager Shanmugam Thangavelu invited the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) tourism and geopark division to sample the menu offerings for both the Chinese New Year and the Ramadan.
It is a unique challenge for the food and beverage staffers to cater to two landmark occasions, which fall on just days apart, said Shanmugam.
LADA tourism and geopark manager Dr Azmil Munif Mohd Bukhari hoped that the Ramadan and Lunar New Year menu can also help usher in more tourists to sample the country's exciting gastronomic tastes.
"As a diverse country, there are varieties of dishes which tourists can taste and experience. Tourism is after all about memorable experiences, which Langkawi hopes to offer to the masses," said Azmil.
Food is part of the tourism experience in the country, he noted. - January 30, 2026.