Machap Baru welcomes Lunar New Year with lights and unity

On the second night of the Lunar New Year 2026, the usually tranquil enclave of Machap Baru was transformed into a radiant theatre of light, sound and communal pride. What began as an afternoon shadowed by uncertainty, with dark clouds threatening to dampen spirits, turned into what many described as a festive blessing. At precisely 7pm, the rain clouds parted and the village lights flickered to life, marking the official start of a celebration that embodied the enduring “Machap Jaya” spirit.

The seamless execution of the evening reflected meticulous planning and deep-rooted community cooperation. To manage the large influx of visitors, Taman Rekreasi Datuk Wira Poh Ah Tiam Machap was converted into a vast free parking hub. This move ensured the village centre remained pedestrian-friendly and safe, allowing families to stroll comfortably between attractions. Overseeing security and crowd control were RELA personnel alongside members of the Machap Baru Volunteer Fire Department, whose visible presence provided reassurance throughout the festivities.

Village becomes living carnival

The celebration unfolded like a living museum intertwined with a bustling carnival. Along the iconic Meihua Walk, traditional Chinese homes adorned with plum blossom motifs opened their doors in the spirit of open house hospitality. Visitors were welcomed into warmly lit interiors, where conversations, laughter and festive cheer flowed freely.

A particularly heartwarming scene emerged from one household, where three children dressed in bright green frog costumes performed a lively musical medley. Their youthful exuberance captured the charm of a close-knit village determined to preserve its traditions while embracing modern festivity.

The grounds of SJK(C) Machap Baru became the primary arena of activity. The school field was animated with mini-car rides, bubble-blowing stations and traditional games that drew delighted shrieks from children. Parents looked on as generations mingled, reinforcing the communal fabric that defines Machap Baru.

Towering above the crowd was one of the night’s most talked-about attractions: a full-sized car mounted on a massive mechanical pole, engineered to rotate and tilt as a festive ride. The inventive installation became a symbol of the village’s creativity and industrious spirit.

Music, blessings and shared prosperity

The rhythmic thunder of lion and dragon dances wove through the crowd, their synchronized movements bestowing blessings of prosperity and good fortune. Yet it was the electrifying stage show by Daredarebro that injected a modern pulse into the night. Energising the audience with his signature “Horse Seh Liao” style, he moved among spectators while distributing custom angpows, transforming the street into a shared celebration of music and generosity.

In contrast, serenity prevailed at Cheng Leong Keng Temple, where golden dragons and thousands of lanterns created a fairyland ambience for devotees seeking blessings for the Year of the Horse.

Ample food stalls lined the streets, offering Hakka delicacies and festive treats whose aromas lingered long after the final lantern dimmed, sealing Machap Baru’s place as a beacon of community-driven celebration.