SIBU, Jan 8: Most Sarawakians working outside the state will not be flying home for the forthcoming Chinese New Year celebration following an appeal made by four Chinese-based associations here.
The four associations are Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association; United Chinese Association, Sibu; Federation of Seven Clans Association and Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Chairman of Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association Temenggong Vincent Lau, when speaking at a press conference yesterday, made the appeal due to the spike in Covid-19 cases in the country.
“This is the best measure to curb the spread of the virus and to protect their families and friends,” he said.
A 62-year-old mother surnamed Ling, 62, said after reading news on the matter, she had immediately called up her daughter in Kuala Lumpur to heed the advice of the four associations.
Her girl, Mandy Yek, 26, is working in a private college in Kuala Lumpur.
“She has agreed not to take the risk to fly home for the celebration,” said Ling.
A junior account executive, Samantha Chua, 24, will also remain in Johor for the lunar new year.
Chua is working in an accounting firm in Johor since August 2018 and was back to Sibu for the 2019 Chinese New Year celebration.
“For safety reasons, it is better not to fly back to Sibu for the new year. I can do so next year as the situation might have improved then,” she said.
A lawyer, who wished to be identified only as Ting, said he had advised his daughter in Kuala  Lumpur not to come bac k for the lunar new year.
His daughter, who is married with two children, has been residing and working in Kuala  Lumpur for more than 10 years already.
Every year, her whole family would fly back for five days to celebrate this auspicious occasion with her parents.
“I have advised her not to fly home for the Chinese New Year due to the pandemic. She has confirmed she would give this CNY a miss,” said Ting.
