Phoong’s team used skylift to hang lanterns at Foh Sang.
KOTA KINABALU (Mac 1): Officers of Luyang State Assemblyman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe have provided a detailed breakdown of the Chinese New Year expenditures, reaffirming their commitment to transparency after concerns were raised.
After completing the necessary financial documentation, Chin Thau Kwong and Chai Shen Leong provided a detailed breakdown of the Chinese New Year expenditures, emphasizing that the RM200,000 grant was not used for organizing the Light Up Luyang Chinese New Year Night Market. They hope to clarify any misunderstandings and correct misinformation.
Chin and Chai further explained that a special allocation was applied for at the end of 2024 and was approved by the Ministry of Finance. The official title in the approval letter was clearly stated as the “2025 Luyang Chinese New Year Grant Application”— not for the night market. This amount was separated from the expenses and accounts of the Foh Sang Night Market and was not used for the event.
The RM200,000 grant was primarily allocated for Chinese New Year-related expenses in Luyang, divided into three main categories:
1. Purchasing and hanging lanterns and decorative fairy lights
2. Festive beautification in specific areas of Luyang
3. One-time financial aid for vendors at Foh Sang Market
The office is now finalizing its accounts and will submit a detailed financial report to the Ministry of Finance, as required by standard procedure.
Chin, the Luyang Community Development Leader responsible for this initiative, provided a breakdown of the expenses. The funds covered the bulk purchase of over 2,000 lanterns (RM27,000) and a large number of decorative fairy lights and LED roll lights (RM22,000) from China. These were installed in commercial areas such as Lido, Foh Sang and Bornion to create a vibrant festive atmosphere and enhance the New Year spirit in the community.
Beyond purchasing decorations, the installation costs included: Materials and fittings (RM15,464), rental of skylifts (RM5,000), labor and installation fees (RM26,000), angle bars and light bulbs (RM5,000) and transportation (RM5,000).
Chin also stated that Phoong provided one-time financial assistance of RM1,000 to each vendor at the Foh Sang Market, amounting to approximately RM70,000, to ease their financial burden after their recent relocation to the newly completed Foh Sang multi-storey car park.
Other expenses included hosting a Chinese New Year media luncheon and preparing festive gift boxes (approximately RM15,000), as well as additional decorations purchased from supermarkets for Foh Sang Market (RM2,425).
This RM200,000 grant was fully allocated to Luyang’s Chinese New Year-related expenses and was entirely separate from the budget of the Foh Sang Night Market.
The Luyang State Assemblyman’s Office hopes that by making this expenditure public, the community can recognize Phoong’s dedication and efforts.
The statement also expressed respect for public concerns and reaffirmed Phoong’s commitment to transparency in governance, willingly sharing his initiatives for Luyang and Foh Sang.
On the other hand, Chai, organizing chairman of the “Light Up Luyang Night Market”, also disclosed the expenses related to the night market, consistent with what Phoong previously shared on Facebook.
The total cost of the CNY night market was approximately RM127,000. After deducting revenue from 110 stall rentals at RM550 per stall for three days (totaling approximately RM60,500), the night market did not generate a profit, as some claimed. Instead, there was a shortfall of approximately RM66,500, which was ultimately covered by Phoong.
Phoong had previously explained the reasoning behind this, emphasizing that the Foh Sang CNY Night Market was unique. The organizing team handled design, planning and installation, making it highly convenient for stall operators. Many vendors have publicly acknowledged and appreciated these efforts through video testimonials.
Chai further detailed the night market expenses, including: Six lion dance and dragon dance performances over three nights (RM12,000), cultural and music performances (RM8,000), stage setup, lighting and sound system (RM20,000), custom-made decorations (RM11,000), hiring RELA volunteers for traffic control (RM3,600), allowances for volunteers (RM5,100), meals for staff (RM4,000), purchasing electrical wires and batteries for stall power supply (RM1,800), acquiring and replacing transparent iron-frame tents (RM25,000).
Advertising and promotional efforts were also included to attract visitors and increase vendors’ sales. Various miscellaneous expenses were also incurred.
Additionally, the event organizers paid over RM7,000 to DBKK for venue rental.
Chai emphasized that even when combining both budgets, the total expenditure amounted to approximately RM320,000. After deducting government grants and stall rental income, Phoong still had to seek additional funds to support the event, as previously mentioned.
To further illustrate Phoong’s long-term vision and commitment to Luyang and Foh Sang, the statement highlighted the newly completed Foh Sang landmark, located next to the Foh Sang roundabout. This landmark, which enhances the district’s aesthetics, cost RM200,000 and was funded by an additional government grant related to Chinese New Year.
The statement also revealed that the ongoing pedestrian walkway improvement project in Foh Sang was funded under the 12th Malaysia Plan, an initiative Phoong had been actively advocating.
Once completed, the upgraded walkways will provide a better pedestrian experience, especially for senior citizens, eliminating uneven and hazardous surfaces and making walking safer and more comfortable.
Additional streetlights and greenery will also be installed to beautify the area. The plan was designed to minimize the loss of parking spaces and maintain existing traffic flow.
Drainage systems will also be improved, ensuring that Foh Sang continues to evolve into a more livable and comfortable urban space. This transformation aligns with the community’s long-term development goals.
Looking ahead, once the pedestrian walkway improvement project nears completion, the next phase will be the construction of a grand Chinese archway in Foh Sang, aiming to establish the area as a vibrant, high-standard district that showcases Foh Sang to the world.
In essence, Phoong has spent years strategically utilizing government grants to progressively transform Foh Sang and Luyang into a lively and beautiful community. Today, the results of these efforts are evident, as Foh Sang has been revitalized and is thriving once again.
Chin and Chai also pointed out the many unseen details of this work, such as the need to purchase and maintain lanterns yearly, ensuring sufficient stock to replace faded, damaged, or defective lanterns. This ensures that lanterns remain lit and hung throughout the year without gaps.
“This has always been our unwavering goal. We believe the residents and businesses in Foh Sang can see these efforts. Together, we will create a brighter and more hopeful future for our community. Thank you for your continued concern and support. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to serving the people of Luyang.”
The statement also acknowledged and welcomed public criticism and feedback. Moving forward, the office will strive to engage with the community more proactively before organizing events and initiatives.
Finally, the Luyang State Assemblyman’s Office extended an invitation for community input and suggestions regarding the upcoming 2025 Foh Sang Mid-Autumn Carnival.
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