Summons discount to mark Merdeka Day
GEORGE TOWN: More than 30,000 people are expected to swarm the Esplanade grounds here today to witness Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad launch the National Month (Bulan Kebangsaan) and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2018 campaign.
The premier, along with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Cabinet ministers and other dignitaries are expected to arrive at 8pm.
And, in conjunction with the event, the police will open a counter for the checking and payment of summons with discounts offered up to 50% for traffic summons nationwide.
George Town OCPD Asst Comm Anuar Omar said motorists can visit the counter located at the field until tomorrow from 9am until 4pm.
“The summons discount offer is for all types of traffic offences except for those which are non-compoundable, cases tried at court, warrants of arrest, accidents in 2018, Ops Selamat 2018, the use of mobile devices and lorry summonses (seven major offences),” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, a check at the site showed that preparations were in full swing as Penang gears itself to play host for the national-level campaign.
An opening item by 60 dancers, including five students from SMK Teluk Bahang, will be presented soon after Dr Mahathir and the VIPs take their places.
Cultural artist Abdul Razak Abdul Malik said his troupe had started practising for the event since two weeks back.
“It is an honour to perform at this auspicious event,” he said when met during a rehearsal at the Esplanade.
Abdul Razak said besides dancers from the Penang State Cultural Council, three choreographers and performers from the National Department for Culture and Arts would also be rendering their assistance.
“The dance will lean more towards modern and contemporary rather than cultural. The dancers will also be wearing sports attires bearing the colours of the Jalur Gemilang,” he added.
Themed Sayangi Malaysiaku, the National Month event will see a host of activities such as fireworks display, flash mobs, buskers’ performances and a concert featuring local celebrities throughout the three-day celebration, which began yesterday.