KUALA LUMPUR: The gloomy mood in Petaling Street lifted momentarily with a very special visitor who distributed mooncakes to the traders.

China’s Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Huang Huikang, who was accompanied by his wife Zhao Shumei, said he came to wish the traders well.

“In China, the mooncake festival is also known as tuan yuan, which means reunion,” he told reporters after his walkabout. “We wish that all Malaysians will remain united.”

Dr Huang said he was impressed with Malaysia’s own Chinatown, saying he saw not only Malaysian Chinese traders but also Malays and Indians.

“Business is good here because many tourists come here,” said Dr Huang.

“I am proud to see Chinese traders working closely with Malays and Indians in harmony.’’

Goodwill visit: China’s Ambasador to Malaysia Dr Huang Huikang (fourth from left)along with his wife making an impromptu visit to Petaling Street to hand over mooncakes to various traders. Accompanying them is Hawkers and Petty Traders Association president Datuk Ang Say Tee (On Dr Huang’s left). — RICKY LAI / THE STAR

He said it would be “a waste” if the prevailing environment was jeopardised by anyone.

The envoy, who was posted here last January, said he was confident that the Malaysian police would do a good job to maintain order.

Hawkers and Petty Traders Association president Datuk Ang Say Tee, who received Dr Huang and his wife, said more than half the shops in Petaling Street would not open for business today due to a planned rally.

“We have more than 1,000 traders here. Around 600 shops will be closed,” he told reporters.

Ang appealed to the Red Shirts to leave Petaling Street alone.

“Please take your political games elsewhere,” he said.

“We just want to carry on with our business here.”