Mooncake Festival to be Added to Perak Tourism Calendar – Nga Kor Ming

By: Rosli Mansor and Ahmad Razali

IPOH – The unity of diverse ethnicities and the preservation of cultural heritage are assets that must be maintained to ensure continued harmony.

Observing the grandeur and reception of the Mooncake Festival held at Octagon last night, Minister of Local Government and Development, Nga Kor Ming, is confident that this celebration can become a significant tourist attraction in the state.

He stated that the festival celebrated every August to September, has the potential to serve as a cultural draw for tourists from both domestic and international locations.

According to him, the Octagon Mooncake Festival will be included in Perak State’s tourism calendar starting next year.

“I will propose to the state government to list this festival in the official calendar as part of Visit Perak 2024. As we step onto the international stage, the cultural diversity we possess is our advantage, and we should cherish it as Malaysia’s heritage,” he said.

Furthermore, he noted that the Night Gate on Dato Tahwil Azar Street has become an iconic symbol for the Malay community, as has Little India on Ipoh Street, which primarily attracts the Indian community.

“Now we have Paloh Street Food Paradise on Theatre Street and Mustapha Al-Bakri Street, representing the Chinese community. When Malays, Chinese, and Indians come together, we are stronger. Unity in culture must be nurtured because we aim to bring about a new politics that unites rather than divides our diverse population,” he added.

Nga Kor Ming made these remarks after officiating the Octagon Mooncake Festival and the opening ceremony of Paloh Street Food Paradise here on Saturday.

Also present were Ipoh Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin and the President of the Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI), Datuk Liew Chee Ming.