GEORGE TOWN: One of the most popular spots for evening photography in Penang, the Esplanade, is now all decked up for Christmas.

       Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin lit up the Christmas tree with a wave of a “magic wand” at Speaker’s Square, adding another radiant sculpture to the rows of glowing figures and statues that ring the field.

       Yeoh said it was not only Christmas that was being celebrated in December but the coming New Year and the school holidays.

       “For Penang, it is a busy tourism month for our hotels and all tourism players,” he said in his speech at the recent ceremony.

       He said as a progressive state, the Penang government emphasised the principle of inclusivity to foster closer relationships among people of various faiths.

       He also said such a closer relationship was important, adding that the state government would continue to take the initiative to organise more events during traditional festivals in an effort to encourage harmonious relations.

       Also present at the event were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and his wife Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Noor, as well as other dignitaries, including businessman Datuk Seri R. Arunasalam, Batu Lanchang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong, state police chief Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain and George Town OCPD Asst Comm Soffian Santong.

       During the event, children from the Salvation Army sang Christmas carols before being presented with hampers by Ahmad Fuzi.

       After the ceremony, Ahmad Fuzi and his wife took a walk around the Esplanade to view the many decorations on display and also entertained requests from the visitors for selfies.

       Since last year, the Esplanade has been decorated with tens of glowing figures and statues.