The Penang government said its plan to hold a cultural and heritage festival on the eighth day of the Chinese New Year – Feb 15 – will not clash with the Chew Jetty’s annual Thni Kong Seh (Jade Emperor’s birthday) celebration.

Tanjong MP Ng Wei Aik said the Penang government has no intentions to intervene in the Jetty’s event or forcibly occupy the space or compete with the Chew Jetty's committee celebrations.

“There is no conflict between these two events. They can proceed with their prayers as usual; we are just holding a cultural performance,” Ng told Malaysiakini.