'Drumming the nation' to attract thousands of visitors

The 'Drumming The Nation' street carnival on Sunday, is expected to attract thousands of Malaysians and foreign tourists to Chinatown in Petaling Street here.

Initiated and organised by the Malaysian Chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organisation (EO), the event will showcase over 200 drums from Malaysia's diverse ethnic groups, reverberating in unison throughout Chinatown to usher in the Chinese New Year of the Snake.

"This event promises to be a culturally significant and exciting occasion and will leave an indelible impression on tourists and locals, besides propelling KL's Chinatown on the global tourist map.

"The programme will benefit local businesses, as well as provide a unique opportunity to showcase the rich and colorful heritage of KL's Chinatown, apart from strengthening the spirit of unity amongst all Malaysians," EO president Ronald Khoo said in a statement here today.

The programme, which promises to be probably the biggest-ever street party in Malaysian history, held in conjunction with Chinese New Year Street Celebrations, will be officially launched by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

Other highlights of the programme include abseiling performances by the Malaysian Armed Forces; performances and acrobatic feats by the World's No. 1 Champion Lion Dance Association; Theatrical and Lights Production showcasing the rich history of Chinatown; live stage performances by various artists; the

drumming of 200 sets of drums which will include public participation; hawker food fare; and, pyrotechnics and fireworks.

Khoo said, to ensure visitors enjoyed Chinatown's famed hawker food fare, Jalan Sultan will be closed to traffic and turned into a walking thoroughfare on that day between 5pm and 10pm.

The event is a prelude to the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 celebration when the country will welcome 28 million tourists from all over the world.