Fireworks mark Port Klang’s birthday

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THE night sky above Tanjung Harapan (Esplanade) in Port Klang lit up in a dazzling fireworks show to mark the port’s centennial celebration on Saturday.

For 10 minutes, the fireworks released from a floating pontoon caused the sea to shimmer in a myriad of colours as close to 3,500 people huddled together to watch the spectacle.

Besides the fireworks, the crowd was also there to admire the 10 colourfully lit-up floats.

Families who wanted a better view climbed onto the replica of the Bugis ship and hundreds of people from the Northport and even the Bagan restaurants watched the fireworks and floats.

Full blast: Dazzling fireworks that had the visitors in awe in celebration of Port Klang’s centenary.

There were cheers and thunderous claps every time the fireworks bathed the night sky in a splash of colours, wowing everyone, including tourists.

Tourists Bella Chelliah from Singapore, Katie Chee from Liaoning, China and Nigerian Frank Mambalo said they all felt awed with the fireworks and the elaborate decoration of boats that formed the float parade.

Organised by Port Klang Authority (PKA) the carnival was part of the centennial celebrations.

“Our carnival was a huge success as some 10,000 people had come to see the port and be part of the celebrations. People just flooded in for the harbour cruise where four boats from the Pulau Ketam jetty were used to ferry them to view Northport and Westport from the sea. For this alone we had to extend the time by two hours until 6pm,” said PKA chairman Datuk Teh Kim Poo.

Going up: People climbed up to the replica of the Bugis ship at Tanjung Harapan to get a better view of the fireworks display.

Teh said people enjoyed the Saturday night as the weather was fine.

The night’s attractions included performances by local band Sofazr which rendered a number of songs that kept the crowd spellbound.

Well-known comedian AR Badul kept the crowd in stiches with his jokes.

Earlier in the afternoon, over 200 students from 10 schools were given a talk on careers available at the port.

PKA also took the opportunity to organise its Customers Day with 10 other agencies, during prizes were given away to visitors who gave correct answers in the quizzes held. A children’s art competition also saw some 100 children showing their drawing talents.

A jet ski competition was also held for adrenaline junkies.

Teh said his vision was to get Port Klang listed as one of the top 10 ports in the world.

“We want to improve the port area by having harbour cruises, building hotels and focusing on promoting our food where it would bring in tourists. At the moment we are looking at having a floating restaurant at Tanjung Harapan to promote seafood. All this will be privatised to create an efficient service,” he said.

Teh mingled with the people at Tanjung Harapan where many congratulated him for his efforts to hold the centennial celebrations.