In the lead-up to Chinese New Year, a spirited initiative by UMNO Youth Chief and Merlimau Assemblyman, Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh, has transformed an entire village in his constituency into a glowing sea of red lanterns.
Dr Akmal’s decorations have not only captured the festive spirit but have also ignited a warm response from the community as residents prepare to welcome the Year of the Horse with colour, tradition, and togetherness. The initiative began modestly at a local school, where the assemblyman first hung the festive ornaments before expanding the effort across the area.
A radiant celebration
As dusk fell and the final lanterns were hung, the village shimmered under a canopy of red lights. To celebrate the completion of the project and the upcoming festivities, villagers marked the occasion with a display of fireworks.
“We want to brighten up the entire village. Everyone will be happy to see the glowing lanterns,” Dr Akmal stated in a video documenting the effort.
“Plenty of ‘ong’ for the year”
After the lanterns were installed, Dr Akmal didn’t immediately call it a night. In a season marked by generosity, it was time for the distribution of Ang Pow (red envelopes), and the gesture wasn’t limited to children. The Merlimau Assemblyman informed the elderly residents that everyone celebrating the Chinese New Year would receive a gift from him.
While the specific amounts were not disclosed, Dr Akmal was seen personally handing the envelopes to the village’s “uncles” and “aunties,” reassuring them that no one would be left out. Beyond the monetary value, the Ang Pow symbolised blessings, goodwill, and the hope for a prosperous year ahead.
“Hopefully, the uncles and aunties will receive plenty of ‘ong’ (luck) during the celebrations this year,” he remarked in his social media post.
To those celebrating the Year of the Horse, how are your preparations going?
