SANDAKAN: Sandakan made history Sunday with a Lion, Dragon and Unicorn Parade featuring performances atop lorries that circled the town centre, Bandar Kim Fung and Bandar Indah ahead of Tuesday’s Chinese New Year of the Golden Horse
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A first for Sandakan and Sabah, it saw 15 lorries, each carrying lion, dragon and unicorn dance troupes. The procession began at Padang Bandaran.
Sounds of gongs and drums filled the air as lion heads performed atop the lorries, symbolising prosperity and blessings throughout the route.
At Bandar Indah, all the troupes presented a special performance at the traffic light junction leading to the area.
In an unprecedented move, the two-lane main road was closed for two hours to ensure public safety and smooth operations – the first time a major road was closed specifically for a traditional cultural performance.
It was organised by the Persatuan Masyarakat Tionghua Bersekutu Sandakan led by President Datuk Edward Khoo together with Sandakan Municipal Council, the Sandakan Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Sandakan Parliamentary Office.
Close cooperation between non-governmental organisations, local authorities and elected representatives reflected a spirit of unity and shared commitment to advancing Sandakan town.
Organisers hoped the parade would attract more positive feng shui, thereby helping to revitalise local businesses and the urban economy. It also aimed to showcase the unique traditional Chinese culture to all communities.
