PM to launch National Month in Penang on Saturday
GEORGE TOWN: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will officiate the National Month (Bulan Kebangsaan) and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2018 campaign at the Esplanade here on Saturday.
Themed “Sayangi Malaysiaku”, a host of activities will take place from tomorrow to Sunday such as fireworks display, flash mobs, buskers’ performances and a concert featuring local celebrities.
Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said the event’s objective was to instil a patriotic spirit among Malaysians and allow all to celebrate the National Month regardless of age, race and background.
“We are expecting between 30,000 and 50,000 visitors, including foreigners, at the three-day event,” he said at a press conference at the Penang City Hall here yesterday.
Other guests of honour expected at the event are Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and several Cabinet ministers.
At a separate press conference in Komtar, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the particular event is very meaningful to the state as the last time such a National Month celebration was held here was in 2008.
“Not only that, Penang was chosen to hold the first National Month celebration under the new Pakatan Federal Government.”
State Secretary Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said they targeted some 30,000 people at the event adding that several activities had been lined up.
“The celebration will be spread throughout the three days with the highlight on Saturday, where the launching will be held at 8pm.”
Meanwhile, several roads will be closed with traffic detours during the event.
George Town OCPD Asst Comm Anuar Omar said the road closure would involve Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah and Jalan Padang Kota Lama junction towards the Jubilee Clock Tower roundabout from 6pm today to about midnight on Sunday (Aug 5).
“There will be a dry run for the event tomorrow at 4pm and at 8pm.
“The Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah and Jalan Padang Kota Lama junction will be closed completely from 7pm onwards on Saturday (Aug 4).
“Lebuh King, Lebuh Bishop and Lebuh Light will be closed tomorrow and Saturday (Aug 4) from 7pm onwards. Traffic will be diverted towards Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.
“Traffic at the Jubilee Clock Tower roundabout will be diverted towards Beach Street and Weld Quay,” he said at a press conference at the district police headquarters in Patani Road yesterday.
He added that 600 police officers will be on duty during the three-day event to ensure public safety.
Representatives from the Federal Reserve Unit, the Marine Operations Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force would also be on duty, he added.