Penang: Some 10,000 Penangites “rocked” into the New Year with a hip and happening countdown party at the Esplanade last night. The “Penang Golden 2008” (PG2008) celebration saw local rock bands and performers like Ji Yu Jin (Malaysia Beyond), Serene Woo Fong Ling, So Faz and MAY ushering in the year with an electric mix of popular tunes. Songs like Suci Dalam Debu made popular by Malaysian rock group Iklim, Zombie and Can’t take My Eyes Off You got the crowd on their feet singing and clapping to the familiar tunes. At the stroke of midnight, a seven minute fireworks display splashed across the dark night sky as revelers hugged and wished each other a “Happy New Year”. From as early as 6pm, crowds of families and tourists gathered at the popular promenade with their mats and picnic baskets to reserve a “good spot” in front of the massive stage. To keep the revelers entertained, a carnival sale was also held. The countdown party organized by Creati-Vision D.C. Sdn Bhd, also raised funds for the Rainbow of Line forces (ROLF) Blue Ribbon Campaign to create awareness for children with cancer. Six lucky draw winners who had registered 019/013 mobile lines from Dec 25 to Dec 31 marked an auspicious start to the year when they took home gold bracelets worth about Rm700 each.

Present to lead the crowd in the countdown were state executive councilors Datuk Teng Hock Nan. Datuk Koay Kar Huah and Teng Chang Yeow.

Source: Extracts from The Star, Tuesday, 1 January 2008.