Refuting Claims of Water Wastage During Kedah Songkran; Ooi Kah Chin: Water Drawn from Wells and Rivers

(Kedah, 19th) Ooi Kah Chin, Chairman of the Kedah Siamese Affairs Committee, emphasized that Songkran, as an important traditional festival, has repeatedly faced politicized discussions and attacks in recent years. This year, there have also been voices on social media questioning it for “wasting water resources.”

He clarified that the water used in the Kedah Siamese cultural Songkran celebration mainly comes from wells and river water, not from public water supplies as some have claimed, thus not causing wastage.

“This festival should not be politicized. The state government will not stop supporting it because of outside criticism, as it is an important part of Kedah’s multicultural fabric.”

He made these remarks while representing the Menteri Besar of Kedah at the state-level Siamese Songkran Cultural Festival celebration on Saturday (18th).

The Songkran celebration was held enthusiastically on Saturday (18th) at Padang Terap District, Beru Bi Gir Dalanan Yuet, attracting over 5,000 Siamese participants from different regions and was also well received by people of various ethnic backgrounds.

Ooi Kah Chin pointed out that the Kedah state government has continued to allocate RM70,000 this year for related cultural activities and the Songkran celebration. An additional RM10,000 was also allocated to promote the development of Thai language learning classes, to encourage the inheritance of the mother tongue and the continuation of culture, whilst fulfilling promises made earlier in the state assembly.

He said the funds were part of commitments made during the state assembly’s Q&A session, reflecting the state government’s support for the Siamese community in preserving their mother tongue and culture.

He added that, according to the first quarter’s National Unity and Integration Department’s analysis report, Kedah recorded only 2 cases out of 195 nationwide—in one of the lowest figures in the country—reflecting the overall harmonious state of society in the state.

He promised that as long as he remains in charge of Siamese affairs, he will continue to promote and ensure the ongoing continuity of Siamese cultural activities, without interruption.

At the event, there were various stalls offering traditional and local snacks, drawing continuous crowds and adding vibrant colors to the celebration.

During the water-splashing segment, both elders and children actively participated, splashing water as a form of blessing, symbolizing New Year wishes and friendship. The atmosphere was lively, with laughter echoing throughout.

Also invited to give speeches at the event were Deputy Speaker of Kedah and Sungai Tiang state assemblyman Abdul Raza.

Other attendees included Padang Terap District Officer Hajah Sharifah, Alor Setar City Councillor Dato' Chong Wen Chai, organizing chairman Phasa, and others.