PETALING JAYA: Selangor’s state-level Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration in 2026 is expected to generate spillover economic benefits for local traders, SMEs and the services sector, as the state continues to position cultural events as platforms for inclusive growth.
The celebration, scheduled for Feb 7 from 5pm to 10pm at the Selangor Palace Recreation Park, is projected to attract up to 10,000 visitors. It is jointly organised by the Selangor state government, Invest Selangor and Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ).
Selangor State Executive Councillor for Investment, Trade and Mobility Ng Sze Han said the event goes beyond cultural celebration, with deliberate efforts to ensure participation across different levels of the economy.
“For this programme, besides having catering from established operators, we also engage with normal traders so they can use this platform to do their business,” he told reporters at a press conference today.
Ng said collaboration with local traders is part of the state’s broader strategy to ensure that economic activities linked to major events benefit not only large players, but also small businesses and informal traders.
The celebration was brought forward ahead of Chinese New Year on Feb 17 to avoid overlapping with the fasting month, a move Ng said is aimed at encouraging wider participation across communities. According to him, this inclusivity forms a key component of the state’s social-economic returns.
“When we talk about economic growth, we must make sure every level of society benefits. This is the best return in terms of social economy, where everyone can come together and create a harmonious society in Selangor.”
Ng said the state increasingly views cultural and festive programmes as part of a wider ecosystem supporting economic development, social cohesion and domestic tourism.
This year’s celebration will introduce a rice-mixing ceremony to replace the traditional yee sang. The initiative symbolises shared prosperity, with rice collected from households, mixed and redistributed to the public. A total of 5,000 packets of rice will be distributed to visitors as part of the programme.
“This concept reflects sharing of sustenance and blessings from many households to the wider community,” Ng said, adding that the initiative aligns with the state’s emphasis on community participation.
The event will also feature cultural performances, including traditional dances, music, lion dance and contemporary acts, alongside light projections at the park. Ang pao (red packets) will be distributed to 1,500 children aged below 12, along with distribution of fruits and other festive items to visitors.
From a logistics and mobility perspective, Ng said public transport usage is being encouraged to ease congestion and improve visitor experience. Visitors are advised to use e-hailing services or public transport, particularly the LRT stations at Pusat Bandar Puchong, Taman Perindustrian Puchong and Bandar Puteri.
Demand Responsive Transit van services will be deployed in the area, with users able to book rides via the Rapid On Demand application. Parking areas near the venue are currently being finalised and will be announced within the next one to two weeks.
Ng said the close cooperation between the Selangor state government, Invest Selangor and MBSJ reflects the state’s commitment to balancing economic development with social harmony. “Under the theme of the Year of the Horse, we hope Selangor will continue to promote inclusive growth for all.”
The state-level Chinese New Year celebration is part of Selangor’s ongoing efforts to leverage major events to support local commerce, strengthen community engagement and reinforce the state’s position as a vibrant and inclusive economic hub.
