Muar (Region 9)
The royal town of Muar (also known as Bandar Maharani) was founded in 1885. This historical town is steeped in history and it is famous for its zapin, kuda kepang (traditional horse dance) and ceracap inai dance. Also notable is the Kun Keng Seng Lion Dance Association which has won the International Championship for Lion Dance a record 44 times! Of course, any Southerner will tell you that Muar cuisine is amongst the best in Johore! Their signature dishes include satay, rojak, assam pedas and nasi ambeng.
So, I decided to make the most of my visit to Johor by staying a few days in Muar and visiting several Lions clubs. Zone Chairman Eddie Lim was by my side to brief me about the projects and activities carried out by the Clubs in his zone. Vice District Governor Chee Boon Leong accompanied me too. Perhaps a little exhausting but definitely memorable!
On 25th July, I attended a joint installation of 5 Lions Clubs in Muar. The clubs were the Lions Club of Muar (Host), the Lions Club of Tangkak, the Lions Club of Mahaledang, the Lions Club of Tanjung Mas and the Lions Club of Muar Putri.
Some 300 to 400 people attended this Grand Banquet, including sister clubs from Taiwan. The special guests, including me were all garlanded. It would turn out to be a gala dinner with pomp and galore. Good food, good music, and lots of toasting! And fun karaoke too! As the Taiwanese Lions were present, communication was mainly in Mandarin, leaving me a fair bit handicapped. I left just before midnight but the hall was still very much alive and kicking!
The next morning, the Lions took me on a tour of several Lions’ landmarks in Muar. One such project was a reflexology park which was declared opened by our International President, Olivia Augustine some years ago.
Our afternoon programme included a blood donation campaign which was jointly organized by four Lions Clubs in Muar. I officially declared open the campaign with a simple cut of a bouquet of ribbons. The campaign was well received by the public as it was held at the hugely popular Wetex Parade Shopping Centre. I took the opportunity to thank the Lions as well as the many donors who came forward to make this worthwhile campaign a resounding success. It was very heartening to note that the Lions of Muar were very active and they had contributed significantly to the community.
Three thumbs up for Lions Muar!
My next stop was Yong Peng, another active Lions club awaiting my visit.
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