KUCHING: A last minute rush by Chinese New Year (CNY) shoppers has seen packed malls, shops and wet markets, which also contributed to traffic congestion in and around the city here.
The vibrancy of the coming CNY celebration can be felt with red decorations being hung which liven up the festive atmosphere especially with lanterns and paper cuttings at these shopping premises.
This year’s CNY, which falls on Feb 1, has given an opportunity for store owners selling decorations to reap better sales. They are grateful that the Covid-19 situation is improving lately.
A survey conducted by New Sarawak Tribune on Sunday (Jan 30) around the wet markets revealed that it was business as usual for the hawkers.
According to a vegetable stall owner, there were many visitors doing grocery shopping on weekends.
Meanwhile the situation at supermarkets was slightly more busy compared to other days. Almost everything can be bought from the supermarket, hence it has become a one-stop shop for convenience shopping.
While most people were seen to enjoy their last minute shopping, one visitor was spotted buying a few vegetables, some meat and a crate of canned drinks.
According to him who wished to remain anonymous, he and his family had their preparation for CNY done last week.
“We don’t really like to do things last minute so we have done our preparations a week before CNY.
“I am here only to buy fresh ingredients for the reunion dinner. The drinks are optional in my grocery list,” he said.
Meanwhile it was a totally different vibe in shopping malls where people targeted to shop for CNY outfits.
A young woman when asked on her preparations for CNY said that she did not prepare anything except house cleaning as she would be having a reunion dinner at her father’s house.
Unlike the traditional practice, the younger generations no longer wear “tang -suit” or “qipao” as long as they are in auspicious colours like red and blue.
Most CNY celebrants, when met in several places, said that this year’s celebration would be held in moderation despite having been given relaxed standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“No open house are allowed except for house visits. It will be celebrated among close relatives and friends to curb the spread of Covid-19,” they said.
Despite the slackening of the SOPs granted by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), the people are reminded to always abide by the procedures and have a safe CNY in view of the emergence of the Covid-19 Omicron variant.
