Felda Hutan Percha’s Lanterns Shine With Community Spirit

By Mohd Fakri Awang Lah

ALOR GAJAH, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- Lantern decorations, commonly associated with the Chinese community during Chinese New Year, have taken on a deeper meaning for residents of Felda Hutan Percha, where they symbolise unity among the settlement’s multi-ethnic community.

Felda Kampung Hutan Percha Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) chairman, Nizam Baharom, said the initiative began three years ago after residents were inspired by similar lantern displays in Machap Umboo and Machap Jaya.

“What started as admiration has since grown into a tradition, with residents of various races working together to decorate the Felda Hutan Percha Chinese Community Recreational Park with lanterns and other decorations.

“In the evenings, residents from different backgrounds come out to help, while women prepare food for the volunteers,” he told Bernama.

Nizam said Felda Hutan Percha has about 800 residents, comprising 260 Malay households, Chinese (65 households), Indian (six) and Orang Asli (31).

He added that although the recreational park is located about 20 metres from a mosque, harmony and mutual respect remain evident, with all activities temporarily halted during Maghrib and Isyak prayer times.

Meanwhile, project director Ng Lai Cheng, 45, said they received about RM10,000 in contributions this year from various parties to fund the decoration efforts.

He said residents began decorating the park with lanterns and other items, including flowers and fairy lights, in November last year, and the project is now about 80 per cent complete.

“The contributions came from residents of various backgrounds, as well as Felda management and the JPKK.

“The highlight of the programme, the lighting of the lanterns, will take place this Saturday and will be officiated by Machap Jaya assemblyman and State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Ngwe Hee Sem,” he said.

-- BERNAMA