KUALA LUMPUR: Restricted from holding large gatherings for the Chinese New Year celebration this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Selangor government has decided to hold its annual open house virtually, this month.
State executive council (exco) member, Datuk Teng Chang Khim, said the virtual celebration would take place at 9pm on Feb 12, which is the first day of the Chinese New Year.
"Traditionally, Chinese New Year celebrations are one of the biggest festivities around the world, including in our country, together with Aidilfitri, Deepavali and the Christmas celebrations.
"We are disheartened to have been unable to hold physical Chinese New Year open houses this year. However, we believe it is a sacrifice for the community's sake.
"We welcome members of the public, wholeheartedly, to come and join the first ever virtual Chinese New Year celebration by tuning in to Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari's Facebook page at @amirudinbinshari.
"We have lined up various entertainment segments, from talk shows to live traditional music performances, in collaboration with professional and world-class performers.
"We believe that by celebrating virtually this year, it will have its own unique advantages, because everybody, regardless of their race and religion, can join the celebration. They can watch the live performances from the comfort of their homes," Teng told the press today.
Teng is state exco member for the Investment Standing Committee, Industry and Commerce and Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) portfolio.
He said preparations for the virtual celebration had cost about RM414,000.
He said the state government gave the celebration's theme as "New Year, New Hope".
"After looking back at what we have gone through together last year, with having to face Covid-19, and staying at home for almost a year... We believe this is the best theme that represents it as with a new year, comes new hopes."
He urged Selangor folk to strictly comply with standard operating procedures (SOP) at all times.
"It is worrying to see the number of cases spike in the last two weeks, as well as the numbers of people fined for not following the rules.
"Please… take care of yourself and your families".
He said the state government launched an online campaign called the "Chinese New Year Wish and Win" campaign, which is looking for the three best Chinese New Year wishes.
"This is the first time ever that a state government is holding a mass virtual festivity celebration and we want to make the most out of it!
"The online campaign will run from Jan 24 until Feb 3. We have been receiving hundreds of entries.
"Three winners would be chosen and each is entitled to win RM168 worth of ang pao.
"The amount was chosen simply because of its significant meaning (in Mandarin) of "leading a prosperous life," he said.
The virtual celebration will be showcasing 12 entertainment performances, with approximately 68 minutes of live broadcast on the Facebook platform.