KEPALA BATAS: About 10,000 people of various races thronged the Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri and State Government Aidilfitri Open House at Dewan Millenium here on Thursday (April 18).

       The Yang di-Petua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and his wife, Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow were also there to celebrate the festive occasion.

       Stalls offered a wide range of dishes, including satay, ketupat, lemang, rendang, laksa, and pasembor, while performances by local artists entertained guests.

       People began gathering at the venue at 1pm, two hours before the open house opened.

       In his speech, Chow said the Aidilfitri celebration brought meaning not only to Muslims but also to the diverse community in the state and stressed that the state government will always uphold the religion of Islam and ensure the comprehensive well-being of society.

       "A total of RM10.18mil has been allocated this year for the construction, improvement and renovation of mosques and surau statewide. Efforts to expand education at religious institutions will also be continued with the construction and repairs of religious schools, with a total allocation of RM7.4 million this year,” he said.

       Meanwhile, Chow also invited Penangites to participate in the three-day Madani Rakyat Northern Zone programme at the Sungai Nibong Pesta Site from May 3. – Bernama

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