Kedah allocates RM70,000 for Songkran and Thai classes, promoting unity and preserving Siamese culture statewide
PADANG TERAP: The Kedah state government has designated RM70,000 for this year’s state-level Songkran celebrations, highlighting its commitment to fostering social cohesion and preserving cultural heritage.
Kedah human resources, Chinese, Indian, Siamese communities and NGOs committee chairman Wong Chia Zhen stated that the event, now in its third year, serves as a testament to the peaceful coexistence of Kedah’s diverse ethnic groups, The Star reports.
The financial support has been split into two primary segments: RM40,000 was dedicated to the official state-level festivities held over the weekend of April 18 and 19 and RM30,000 was distributed among various Buddhist temples across the state to facilitate local community events.
In addition to the festival funding, Wong announced a further RM10,000 grant to support Thai language classes.
These sessions will be held in districts with significant Siamese populations, including Padang Terap, Sik, Kupang, Baling and Pendang.
“This initiative is vital for ensuring that the language and culture of the Siamese community are preserved and transmitted to the younger generation,” Wong reportedly said during a visit to Wat Pedu on Sunday.
Responding to public speculation regarding the festival’s impact on local utilities, Wong clarified that the water used for the traditional Songkran festivities was sourced from rivers, ensuring the state’s treated water supply remained unaffected.
Kedah is home to Malaysia’s largest ethnic Siamese community, numbering approximately 21,000.
Wong utilised the occasion to challenge recent reports suggesting a low National Unity Index for the state, arguing that such statistics do not align with the everyday realities of Kedahans.
