Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia in collaboration with the Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus government has held the Chinese New Year Malaysian Open House (MRTM) 2019 at Dataran Centrio, Seremban 2, here today.

The ceremony was officiated by YAB Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia and Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar, YAB Dato ‘Art Aminuddin bin Harun. Also present were YAB Dato ‘Seri Wan Azizah binti Dr. Wan Ismail, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, YB Datuk Mohamaddin bin Ketapi, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Tuan Anthony Loke Siew Fook, the Minister of Transport Malaysia and representatives of the Chinese community, cabinet ministers, members of the Legislative Assembly ) as well as national and local community leaders.

The objective of this program is to foster the spirit of unity and understanding of the multi-racial society, to foster the spirit of the New Malaysia, to foster friendly relations between leaders and the people and to highlight the traditions and cultures of celebrating major celebrations in Malaysia as one national travel container. This event is a national event which is held annually to celebrate religious celebrations celebrated by various races in Malaysia namely Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Christmas, Tadau Kaamatan, Deepavali and others organized since 2001 Hence, the celebration of the Chinese New Year MRTM this is to boost the festive celebration of the Chinese community in Malaysia. MRTM can be a key platform in introducing and promoting Chinese New Year celebration in Malaysia to domestic and foreign tourists.

The disparities presented in MRTM this time are singles and dragon dance performances by local Chinese art groups such as the Muar Sing Gendang 24 Festival and Muar Lion Dance Group which is the world’s finest lion dance group. In addition, pre-performances were held such as CNY Idol Competition, Cheongsam Show and Line Dance Competition. There were also artistic exercises, Zumba dan FitnJoy dancing which starts at 7.30am accompanied by locals and visitors to enliven the ceremony with the morning activities. MRTM also provides mobile ctc services such as dental checks, health checks and PTPTN registration. Furthermore, the Malaysian Open House Council also offers free Chinese traditional food delicacies to the public beginning at 6.00 pm. Apart from that there were also a program that gave the people the chance to meet the leader, the Touchpoint Program. The program starts in the evening where the leaders have gathered at the Seri Sikamat Serawak Activity Center (PAWE). A total of 100 people received donations accompanied by afternoon tea with the leader LETS Issued by Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia.