SIBU: The Sibu Martial Arts Association (SMAA) hopes the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) will allow lion dances to be performed this Chinese New Year (CNY).
This following the decision by SDMC to review the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the festival.
SMAA head coach Gilbert Wong said after hearing this, they were relieved and hoped that the result was in their favour.
“Our members are very enthusiastic and excited to perform after almost a year’s ‘break’.
“SMAA has also received many bookings for the first three days of CNY and as early as last month when the number of Covid-19 cases started to decline.
“However, the previous SOPs banning lion and dragon dances have destroyed all hopes of preparation.
“We are hopeful that SDMC will allow the lion and dragon dance performances,” he said on Thursday (Jan 20).
“About 16 of our members are still continuing their daily lion dance training at our main gym in Jalan Lanang.
“The lion dance will not only be a draw but also would liven up the celebration. Without it, the new year seems incomplete.”
It was understood that SMAA and several Chinese organisations had appealed to SDMC to relax the SOPs recently.
The CNY SOPs issued by SDMC on Jan 14 prohibit the holding of open houses, celebrating festivals in temples or public places and gatherings by associations.
However, immediate family members can hold reunions at home or at a hotel or restaurant at 50 per cent capacity depending on the size of the venue.
The first day of CNY falls on Feb 1.
