On Friday evening (March 1), the Regent of Johor is expected to attend the century-old Johor Ancient Temple Chingay procession. Johor Baru Tiong-Hua Association president Ho Sow Tong revealed that Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim will be seated at the Gong Ying main stage, located at Jalan Wong Ah Fook in front of Komtar JBCC, to enjoy the event.
Ho expressed his gratitude for the Regent’s presence at this significant event that marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations for the Chinese community in Johor. He mentioned that a meeting was held on Feb 26 by the coordinating agency, Tourism Johor, to finalize the event details, which was also attended by Tunku Ismail’s personal aide.
During the meeting, Ho briefed the personal aide about the event’s itinerary and the various performances that can be expected. He believes that both the devotees and spectators are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to see the Regent in person.
Ho also mentioned that Tunku Ismail’s father, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, had attended the Chingay procession on four separate occasions before becoming the 17th King of Malaysia. The Sultan had graced the Chingay procession in 2016, 2017, 2018, and once in 2006 when he was the Tunku Mahkota Johor.
Usually, the Sultan stays for approximately an hour to enjoy the show and even displays his signature “love” symbol with his hands as the procession passes by. The procession, consisting of cultural performances, devotees on foot, and colorful floats, will begin at the Xin Gong temple on Jalan Ulu Ayer Molek around 7pm.
The procession will proceed along an 8km route in Johor Baru, where the five deities representing the main dialect clans of Hokkien, Cantonese, Hainan, Hakka, and Teochew, are brought for an annual “tour” to bless the city and its people.
In Johor Baru, the Chinese community celebrates the Chingay Festival from the 19th to the 22nd day of the Chinese New Year, which falls between Feb 27 and March 2 this year.
