Celebrating World Laughter Day: A Joyous Affair in Johor Bahru

The laughter will echo through Johor Bahru on May 5th as the Johor Bahru Happy and Joyous Club gears up to celebrate the 16th JB-World Laughter Day.

Set against the serene backdrop of Fo Guang Shan Hsingma Si in Taman Sutera Utama, the event promises to be a riot of fun and frolic from 7:30 to 9:30 am.

Initiated by the Laughter Yoga movement pioneers, Dr. Madan Kataria and his wife, Madhuri, World Laughter Day embodies the spirit of global camaraderie through laughter. Mdm Koh Mui Cheng, President of the Johor Bahru Happy and Joyous Club, emphasises, "Laughter is a universal language, and anyone can laugh together."

With festivities spanning 150 countries, Johor Bahru's celebration kicks off at 7:00 am. It wraps up at 9:30 am, packed with activities for the whole family. There's something for everyone, from fitness sessions to clown dances and laughter exercises to contests like Laughter Prince & Princess for the little ones and Laughter King & Queen for the adults. And for those craving a little rhythm, the Interactive Drum Circle awaits.

"The event is all about fun and participation," beams Mdm Koh. "We welcome adults, youngsters, and kids to join the laughter."

Open to the public, the event anticipates a turnout of 600 laughter enthusiasts. Early birds will snag goodies, including coveted event t-shirts. “This year, our special guest of honour is YB Marina Ibrahim, the Johor Assemblyperson for Skudai. What makes this even more exciting is that she has extended invitations to children from schools in her constituency to join us. This will mark the first time that school children will be part of the festivities,” revealed Mdm Koh.

"Our focus for this anniversary is to promote health, foster world peace through laughter, and raise awareness about its benefits," Mdm Koh explains. "We want Johor Bahru to be recognised as Malaysia's laughter hub."

The Club's dedication to spreading joy extends beyond World Laughter Day. Laughter Yoga sessions dot the city's parks, and daily Zoom events draw participants from all corners. Certified leaders, many from diverse professional backgrounds, champion laughter's therapeutic effects in workplaces and communities around the country.

“Laughter is universal and cuts across religious, cultural, and age boundaries; everyone can laugh,” she added.

Last year's celebrations for World Laughter Day saw Club members venture out to join other clubs and associations, injecting mirth into every gathering, from walks with senior citizens to community events, in a bid to share the laughter far and wide.

As the city gears up for a day of laughter and joy, Mdm Koh invites everyone to participate in the celebration. "Laughter is indeed the best medicine," she affirms, "and on May 5th, Sutera Utama will be alive with its healing power."

For more information on the event, visit here.

For an afternoon of laughter with the Laughter Yoga founders, Dr. Madan Kataria and Madhuri Kataria, join the event via Zoom.

There will be other presentations from around the world showcasing celebrations in their countries.

With laughter as their anthem, the Johor Bahru Happy and Joyous Club invites everyone to join in the revelry and spread smiles, laughter, and joy on World Laughter Day. Come and join in the fast-spreading phenomenon of Laughter Yoga this Sunday 5th May at Fo Guang Shan Hsingma Si in Taman Sutera Utama.

Your contribution can make a real difference. Donate to the Johor Bahru Happy and Joyous Club through Sokong by clicking here.