Launching the event by beating a Chinese drum several times, the Sultan was all smiles as the crowd cheered him on at the Komtar JBCC’s entrance along Jalan Wong Ah Fook here yesterday, The Star Online reported.

He was accompanied by Johor Menteri Besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Johor Baru Tiong-Hua Association president Tey Kim Chai and MCA deputy president Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The event traditionally marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations as people gather to usher in prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead.

A stream of decorative floats also took part in a 10-km procession along streets lined by a cheering crowds numbering tens of thousands.

The procession is an annual event organised by the Johor Ancient Temple where deities from the five main clans in the state, namely Hakka, Teochew, Hokkien, Cantonese and Fuchou, are led on a tour on foot to bless the city and its people, the news portal reported.

Tey said the procession was a cultural and religious tradition practised in Johor since 1870.

“It also encourages the spirit of unity as it also welcomes people of other races to join in the celebration.”