Host of events for Merdeka
GEORGE TOWN: More than 30,000 people are expected to throng Padang Kota Lama here for the launch of the nationallevel Bulan Merdeka (Independence month) and “Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2018” events by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad this Saturday.
This year’s Independence Day celebration is themed Sayangi Malaysiaku.
Penang Island City Council Mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said a host of events, including religious ceremonies, had been lined up in the run-up to Merdeka, and until Malaysia Day on Sept 16. He said events included the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang, Bintang Patriotik, Caring Bridge exhibition, community sports, Sayangi Malaysiaku concert, Sayangi Malaysiaku zikir programme, Merdeka run, a flash mob and food sales, among others.
He said side activities would also be organised, such as street soccer, interactive games, performances by local buskers and free-style soccer.
“We have written to government, private and individual building owners to fly the Jalur Gemilang throughout the celebration period in a show of support,” he said here yesterday.
Yew said preparations were 80 per cent completed and were expected to wrap up tomorrow.
Several roads around Padang Kota Lama would be closed on Saturday to give way to events.
“Visitors can park their vehicles in designated spaces, but we will not provide buses to the venue,” he said.
Northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Anuar Omar said Jalan Tun Syed Sheikh Barakbah, from the junction with Jalan Padang Kota Lama to the Jam Besar roundabout, would be closed from 6pm tomorrow until Sunday.
“Traffic will be diverted to Lebuh Pantai and Pengkalan Weld. Jalan TSS Barakbah-Lebuh Light junction will be closed at 7pm on Saturday.
“Lebuh King/Lebuh Bishop will be closed on Friday and Saturday from 7pm until the end of the event. Lebuh Light/Jalan Kapitan Keling will be closed on the same day, and time and traffic will be diverted to Jalan Kapitan Keling.”
Anuar said 600 officers and personnel would be on duty throughout the period.