Big crowds throng Chinese New Year Bazaar

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Brisk business at the CNY Bazaar.

Brisk business at the CNY Bazaar.

MIRI: As a melting pot for cross cultural exchange, the Chinese New Year (CNY) Bazaar in Miri City entered its 14th year as a one-stop centre for buying goodies for the celebration.

Jointly organised by Miri Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MCCI) and Miri City Council (MCC), the annual bazaar comprises 260 stalls selling traditional delicacies and décor for the lunar year.

Also on sale are local delicacies, local art and handicrafts at the stalls for non-Chinese petty traders and hawkers.

Chamber chairman Lee Khoi Yun said the bazaar held in the city centre along High Street and Kingsway from Feb 2 – 7 is an attraction for visitors and tourists coming to Miri.

“There are nightly stage shows featuring modern and traditional dances and songs, Chinese cultural groups and traditional dances from other communities in the state besides the usual lion and dragon dance performances.

“It not only provides entertainment but business opportunities for Mirians and promotes the city,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Lee was pleased with the overwhelming response to the bazaar this year.

“Despite not getting financial backing from the Tourism Ministry, we managed to stretch our budget by using the tent rentals to pay for erecting the stage, getting the performers, paying for parking fees, decorations and lighting,” he
said.

Lee said MCC provided services like rubbish collection and banners while all other expenses were settled using the amount from renting out tents at RM650 to RM2,300 depending on size and location.