By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Jan 16: For this year’s Chinese New Year (CNY), celebrants are looking forward to spending time with their loved ones, for businesses to thrive, and for things to return to normal.
Since Covid-19, Chinese New Year has been among the festivals and celebrations that had to be put on hold to curb the spread of the virus. Because of that, many could not visit their loved ones, and some could not return to their home country, state, or town.
That is why this year, with things slowly returning to normal, celebrants were hopeful that they could spend this CNY with their loved ones.
At the same time, they also hoped that businesses would be able to grow and thrive post-pandemic and that the Malaysian economy would grow stronger.
Chong Tiong Wai, from Peninsular Malaysia, said his family has been looking forward to this year’s reunion after being unable to gather due to the pandemic.
“What is important is the family reunion. It will be a normal one, but it was on my wish list for this year,” he said when interviewed at the Kenyalang Chinese New Year Bazaar.
“The festival this year is very much welcome, as there are no more regulations for gatherings, unlike the previous years. So that is a huge relief for all of us,” he added.
Chong, who married a Sarawakian, also hoped that the Malaysian economy would recover and that life would be back to normal as soon as possible.
“There are many global factors too, and we hope the government’s policies can alleviate the people’s hardships,” he said.
Meanwhile, a young couple, Steven and Flora Lim, who was looking for traditional Chinese cookies and foods at the bazaar, both feel that this year, the festival’s atmosphere is quiet compared to pre-pandemic years.
“Things are expensive, and everybody can feel the ‘pinch’. But, despite that, we are looking forward to the big family reunion gathering and preparing our ang pao (red packet containing money),” said Steven.
“For the moment, we want to celebrate the festival and wish our family prosperity,” enthused Steven.
The couple also hoped for things to improve and that the business community would thrive.
A street vendor at the Kenyalang Chinese New Year Bazaar, who wanted to be identified as Madam Chai, is hopeful that the year of the Water Rabbit would elevate her crafts business.
“Many people have been coming to my stall since we opened more than a week ago, and business is good,” said Chai, who has been crafting animals based on the Chinese zodiac signs using beads for the last twenty years.
Chai, who is self-taught, is happy that she can make income from her handicrafts which she sells between RM8 and RM68 per rabbit.
“This year, the Chinese New Year festival will be more special as we can celebrate with more family and friends,” she said. — DayakDaily
