Felda hutan percha: Lantern decorations, commonly associated with the Chinese community during Chinese New Year, have taken on a deeper meaning for residents of Felda Hutan Percha, where they symbolize unity among the settlement's multi-ethnic community.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Felda Kampung Hutan Percha Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) chairman, Nizam Baharom, stated that the initiative began three years ago after residents were inspired by similar lantern displays in Machap Umboo and Machap Jaya. The tradition, sparked by admiration, now sees residents of various races collaborating to decorate the Felda Hutan Percha Chinese Community Recreational Park with lanterns and other decorations. In the evenings, residents from different backgrounds come out to help, while women prepare food for the volunteers.

Nizam highlighted that Felda Hutan Percha comprises about 800 residents, including 260 Malay households, 65 Chinese households, six Indian households, and 31 Orang Asli households. Despite the recreational park being located about 20 meters from a mosque, harmony and mutual respect remain evident, with all activities temporarily halted during Maghrib and Isyak prayer times.

Meanwhile, project director Ng Lai Cheng, 45, mentioned that they received approximately RM10,000 in contributions this year from various parties to fund the decoration efforts. Residents began decorating the park with lanterns, flowers, and fairy lights in November last year, and the project is now about 80 percent complete.

Ng Lai Cheng further explained that the contributions came from residents of diverse backgrounds, as well as from Felda management and the JPKK. The highlight of the program, the lighting of the lanterns, will take place this Saturday and will be officiated by Machap Jaya assemblyman and State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Ngwe Hee Sem.