Penang malls get set to welcome 2010 with big bang

GEORGE TOWN: Some shopping malls in Penang will be splurging on fireworks tonight to welcome 2010, an indication of the improving economy.

One of them, Queensbay Mall, is promising a better show this time around.

Its advertising and promotions manager Wendy Wong said that business has been better this year.

“We will have a 10-minute musical fireworks,” Wong said.

At Sunway Carnival Mall, shoppers and revellers can expect some RM25,000 worth of pyrotechnic displays.

“We are looking to bring 2009 to a close and usher in a greater year with a seven-minute fireworks display beginning at midnight,” said its manager Chow Heng Wah.

He said the display was also a way of “thanking shoppers.”

“We are confident that 2010 will bring greater opportunities and positive prospects for all,” he said.

Chow added that the mall had also scheduled free performances by local artistes Tedd Chan and LELA.

At the Gurney Plaza alfresco area, 2,000 balloons will be released at the stroke of midnight.

The event is organised by the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce as part of the official launching of Visit Penang Year 2010-2012 cum New Year Countdown Party.

“The whole event costs about RM150,000 to organise.

“Despite the sluggish economy, we feel that events like these are important because we want to make Penang a popular New Year countdown venue.

“Colourful balloons will be given out to the public through a donation of any amount.

“They can write their names and wishes on these helium-filled balloons and then release them when the clock strikes 12,” said event organising chairman Oon Weng Boon who is also the chamber’s Young Entre­preneur section chairman.

Money collected from the event will be donated to the Eden Handicap Service Centre.

More than 100,000 revellers are expected to converge at the Esplanade for the New Year countdown and witness an attempt to create a Guinness World Record for the largest dance class.

The night will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display.

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