Tunku Idris kicks off Chingay event in JB

JOHOR BARU: The streets here were filled with lively colours and festive music as the Chingay parade went around the city centre to mark the end of the Chinese New Year celebration.

The event, with over 150 years of history, was officiated by Johor prince Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, who sounded the drum during the opening ceremony in Jalan Wong Ah Fook here on Tuesday (Feb 18).

The prince, who drove his own vehicle, arrived at the main stage at around 8.50pm.

Johor Baru Tiong-Hua Association president Ho Sow Tong said Tunku Idris's presence at the historical event reflected the royal family's care and concern for the people.

Ho said Chingay was a celebration of Johor's multi-racial and harmonious identity.

"The Johor Baru Chingay Festival was accorded national heritage status by the federal government in 2012.

"We are glad that Malaysia and Singapore are joining forces to nominate Chingay into the Unesco intangible cultural heritage list," he said.

The parade, which kicked off at the Xing Gong Temple in Jalan Ulu Ayer Molek at 7pm, took an 8km route around the city.

Apart from lion and dragon dances, spectators were also treated to cultural performances, colourful floats and stunts using giant flags.

The Chingay Festival is celebrated from the 18th to 22nd day of Chinese New Year, on Feb 15-19 this year.

In the past, the Chingay parade was graced by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, as the Johor Ruler in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Last year's parade was officiated by Tunku Ismail, who brought along his two young children, Raja Muda Johor Tunku Iskandar and Tunku Khalsom Aminah.