JOHOR BARU, Feb 16 — Despite danger lurking, the 144th edition of the Chingay parade here on February 28 will take place with the procession of performers and decorative lorries passsing through the main thoroughfare of Jalan Wong Ah Fook.

The 1.2km stretch of road which cuts through the heart of the city is now undergoing massive reconstruction because of the Sungei Segget beautification project, a RM100 million development which will turn the muddy waters of Sungei Segget crystal clear where fish will thrive again.

Work is expected to complete in July but now the excavators and the bulldozers are in operation. One-third of Jalan Wong Ah Fook is taken up by the construction work which only leaves enough space for two cars to pass side by side.

An inspection tour, led by the state executive councillor for tourism and domestic trade Datuk Tee Siew Keong yesterday morning, left him and his team comprising officials from the Johor Baru Chinese Association and Johor Tourism officials worried.

“The situation has changed this year. In the past, traffic at Jalan Wong Ah Fook has always been clear but now there is digging and construction work going on. We have to be careful to avoid any accidents or mishaps.

“In the next few days I will be calling for a meeting with police, the Public Works Department and the contractors to see how we can enhance the safety for the Chingay participants and spectators,” Tee said.

The city has always taken pride in the Chingay parade with its colourfully decorated lorries, skilful street performers and dancing troupes. The traditional event has also attracted Singaporeans as well as people from all over the country.

The parade, starting from the temple in Jalan Ngee Heng, will pass through Jalan Air Molek, Jalan Trus and then to Jalan Wong Ah Fook before heading back to its starting point.

Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, and his family, together with other VIPs are scheduled to witness the parade from a giant stage that would be erected at the entrance of the JBCC shopping complex.

The concern now however is whether the decorative lorries can pass through Jalan Wong Ah Fook with all the construction work and hoardings there.

To bypass the road may not be acceptable to some involved in the parade.

“Chingay is part of the celebration to please the Gods, the Chinese deities of the five main Chinese dialects — the Hokkiens, Teochews, Cantonese, Hainanese and Kheks,” said a long-time resident who does not want to be identified.

“It has been going on for so many years and a sudden change of route will not go down well with some people. It’s superstitious to change the route.”

According to Tee, this year’s parade, involving about 2,000 performers, is expected to attract 300,000 people.

“The Mayor of Chiu Chow Province in China has also been invited. During our trade mission to southern China two months ago,  we spoke to travel agents there and offered them attractive packages for Chinese tourists to come watch the parade.

“Johoreans are proud of our Chingay parade and we want to make sure it will be a success,” Tee said.