GEORGE TOWN: Every year, housewife K. Neela looks forward to celebrating Prophet Muhammad’s birthday with her Muslim friends in their neighbourhood.

       The mother of three said it had become a norm for her to mark the occasion as many of her neighbours at the People’s Housing Project flats in Jalan Kedah are Muslims.

       “I am happy to join them in ushering in the Prophet’s birthday,” said Neela, 58.

       Cleaner Teh Poh Eng, 54, said this was the first time she was celebrating the occasion.

       “I am not so familiar with it, but I hope there will be positive energy for all of us here,” she added.

       Neela and Teh were among 100 non-Muslims who received roses and chocolates from the Islamic Propagation Society International (Ipsi) Malaysia in conjunction with the celebration.

       Ipsi president Datuk Kamarudin Abdullah said the distribution of flowers symbolised the Prophet’s love for humanity, regardless of the person’s race and religion.

       “We distributed flowers and chocolates in Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Jalan Penang, the Weld Quay Ferry terminal, Queensbay mall and Jalan Kebun Bunga.

       “We have been doing this for the past 14 years to share the love and mercy of Prophet Muhammad so that our non-Muslim friends can understand the occasion better,” he said.

       He added that the society also held a Prophet Muhammad’s biography writing competition for non-Muslims, where the winner stood to win RM1,000 in cash.

       Also present during the event were Pulau Betong assemblyman Mohd Tuah Ismail, Kebun Bunga assemblyman Jason Ong Khan Lee and Ipsi deputy president Dr Mohamed Amir Shah Abdul Aziz.