MIRI: Christmas festive season is already in the air and the anticipation of celebration on Dec 25 certainly brings excitement for celebrants and others too.
Unfortunately, there are some who tend to spend impulsively in celebrating Christmas Day or other festivals which is not necessarily a wise practice.
“Make a good financial decision, and spend wisely,” reminded Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting who is also Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) secretary-general when speaking to the New Sarawak Tribune yesterday.
With the country’s economy slowing down it is best for the rakyat to spend more wisely, he added.
“Perhaps focus more on saving towards their children’s education,” Ting said.
Ting used this approaching Christmas Day as an opportunity to post in his Facebook page a two-minute video to deliver a Christmas message.
Thus far, over 1,000 views and some 400 ‘likes’ have been recorded pertaining to the video recording and message.
In the video recording Ting lauded Sarawakians for the unity and peace that they have upheld for such a long time.
“Malaysia and Sarawak have been blessed; we are a multiracial country and have been living in peace and harmony with one another,” he said.
He further added, in Sarawak, with 28 different ethnic groups existing together, it (mutual existence) has given the community an extra strength that has been always referred to as unity in diversity.
“It has also led the way towards an everlasting peace and harmony, as well as mutual respect of each other’s religious beliefs.”
Meanwhile, Miri City Council chairman of Road Safety Sub-Committee Cr Karambir Singh shared similar sentiment with Ting.
Karambir agreed that people should be extra cautious before spending their money during festive seasons.
“I agree and people should not spend too much on alcohol and have a more family-oriented and meaningful Christmas,” he said.
“Do not drink and drive is the way to stay safe,” he added.
For Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni, with the slower economy currently faced by the country, it is crucial for the festive celebrants to spend wisely and appropriately.
“Work on your budget wisely before spending,” he said.
On food consumption during holiday festive season, Lukanisman reminded people to avoid overeating habit.
“Festive season food tends to be richer and heavier than normal meals, which can lead to excessive calories intake, therefore is it important for all of us to be extra cautious,” he said.
