KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (Bernama) – A 10-foot high 1Malaysia logo-shaped lantern will be lit by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen to launch the Kuala Lumpur Lantern Festival 2009 on Saturday.

A mooncake also in the shape of the logo would be displayed at the lantern festival to be held at the Central Market from 7pm to 11pm, Kuala Lumpur Tourism Action Council general manager Datuk Yew Teong Look said.

“This lantern festival aims to promote the spirit of unity and culture of various races, which is in line with the 1Malysia concept,” he told reporters here on Wednesday.

Yew said the event, expected to attracted 20,000 visitors, was aimed at introducing and promoting Chinese festivals to other races and foreign tourists.

“The programme includes lion dance and dragon dance, riddle competitions under the lanterns and performance of local artistes. Goodie bags will be given to visitors, especially to foreigners,” he said.

Face masks will also be distributed as a precaution against Influenza A (H1N1).

Lanterns and mooncakes are a tradition for the annual mooncake festival, which falls on Oct 3 this year.

– BERNAMA