Travel

Chap Goh Mei Extravaganza: NBBC’s Third KL Prosperity Walk Lights Up Bukit Bintang

The vibrant heart of Kuala Lumpur is set to pulse with energy as the Network of Bukit Bintang Communities (NBBC) and the BBKLCC Tourism Association gear up for the highly-anticipated third Kuala Lumpur Prosperity Walk on the 24 February 2024, coinciding with the Chap Goh Mei celebrations. Since its inception in 2022, the Kuala Lumpur Prosperity Walk has grown into an annual event that celebrates the rich tapestry of ‘Greater Bukit Bintang’ as the nexus for Festivals, Art & Culture, Music & Dance, Electronic, and more – contributing significantly to the social and economic development of the city.

This year, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is playing a defining role by incorporating the Prosperity Walk into its official Chinese New Year activities. The announcement was made during a press conference presided over by Mr. Lai Chen Heng and Ms. Carmen Leong, Kuala Lumpur City Advisory Board Members, who have been appointed as patrons to the organizing committee.

The event will span a 4.3-kilometer journey, taking a little over an hour to complete, starting from Dataran Merdeka at 1715 hrs, flagged off by YBhg Datuk Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh, the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur. The route will encompass iconic landmarks such as Pasar Seni, the River of Life, GMBB Community Mall, Federal Hotel, Lot 10, Plaza Low Yat, Sungei Wang, Berjaya Times Square, and conclude at Lalaport. Along the way, participants will pass through Petaling Street and Jalan Alor, where dragon and lion dances will captivate the audience at the flag-off, accompanied by colorful costumes and musical performances, showcasing the dynamic essence of the city.

For those preferring a shorter walk, a 1.4-kilometer route is also available, taking about 30 minutes to complete. Starting at Pavilion KL fountain area, it will pass landmarks including Starhill, Fahrenheit 88, and Lot 10, merging with the main route at Menara Hai O on Jalan Bukit Bintang. The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Tiong King Sing, will join the public celebration at Lalaport.

Mr. Jack Lim, Organising Chairman of NBBC, expressed gratitude for the support of local authorities and NGOs, stating, “The KL Prosperity Walk epitomizes the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity that defines Bukit Bintang.” He emphasized the event’s goal to encourage economic development, community empowerment, and environmental sustainability, inviting everyone to join in celebrating the dynamic tapestry of their community.

Mr. Ng Yih Chen, Chairman of BBKLCC Tourism Association and Co-Organizer of the event committee, highlighted that the KL Prosperity Walk is more than a Chinese New Year celebration. It celebrates local communities and their contribution to the social fabric of Kuala Lumpur. Major partners and sponsors include DBKL, MPP Bukit Bintang, Rukun Tetangga – KRT, BBKLCC, Pasar Seni, GMBB, Berjaya Times Square, Lalaport, Urban Museum (UR-MU), and TS Law Land, with Sime Darby Motors as the official partner for event cars and motorcycles.

The event has also received support from World Dragon and Lion Dance Extravaganza, Jalan Alor Petty Traders Association, KL Society, VIDA Bukit Ceylon, MOV Hotel, Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur – Host, and Asia Pacific University (APU).

In addition to the KL Prosperity Walk, NBBC and BBKLCC curate a yearly event calendar, offering diverse opportunities for public engagement. The event stands as a testament to the city’s unity, embracing tradition, and forging ahead towards a prosperous and dynamic future.