Kota Kinabalu: Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin urged the Chinese community to give their fullest support to the 38th National Chinese Cultural Festival to ensure its success.
The event, initiated by the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong), is hosted every year by the Chinese assembly halls of various states.
“After 12 years, it is Sabah’s turn to host the event again, with Tan Sri T. C. Goh as the President of Huazong and FCAS, and Datuk Susan Wong shouldering the responsibility as the organising chairlady,” said Chan, who is also Kota Kinabalu Member of Parliament.
“Organising the cultural festival is not an easy feat. The organising committee members have taken up the task voluntarily to ensure the preservation of Chinese cultures,” he said after accepting a FCAS invitation to KK Torch Run to be held on Aug 20 morning.
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Susan, who is FCAS Deputy President, said Kota Kinabalu is the ninth stop of the torch run.
The run started off in Tawau, followed by Semporna, Papar, Tuaran, Lahad Datu, Sandakan, Kudat and Labuan. After Kota Kinabalu, the torch will travel to Keningau, Tenom, Ranau and lastly Mount Kinabalu.
Susan said Chan will light the torch at Padang Merdeka, the starting point of KK Torch Run, at 7am. The participants will then make their way to Gaya Street, Hainan Building, DBKK Building, Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI), Winner Hotel, Sugarbun Square, Sze Yip building, Kinabalu Daya Hotel, Teo Chew Association, Wisma KTS, Sabah Tourism Board (old post office), Hakka Association, Hokkien Association, Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah branch, Gaya Street fountain and Kota Kinabalu Community Hall.
“Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor will light the cauldron at the end point, while Chan will light the torch at Padang Merdeka.
“We expect 1,000 people to participate in the torch run.”
Susan said FCAS has garnered the support of 33 sponsors, including Chan.
She added that the KK Torch Run aims to raise funds for the National Chinese Cultural Festival, and urged the public to support the event.
FCAS has lined up exciting programmes leading up to the cultural performance and closing ceremony on Oct 8, including Cultural Village Exhibition (Oct 7-8), National Calligraphy Competition (Oct 7), Chess Competition (Oct 7-8), Children Singing Competition (Oct 7), Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern and Float Parade (Oct 7), Food Street (Oct 7-8) and Children Colouring Competition (Oct 8).
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