BY JACINTHA JOLENE
KUCHING: As Chinese New Year slowly edges closer, the Chinese community in Sarawak are up a gear in their preparations.
The community has been advised to celebrate modestly as the pandemic is still lurking around, and one thing is for sure – the sight and sound of lion dance performances will be missing.
Lion dance performances are synonymous with the CNY celebration for years, even centuries, helping to usher in a prosperous new year.
Should the authorities allow them on the first day of Chinese New Year? New Sarawak Tribune met with a few city residents for their thoughts.
LAI CHOON FU
(Medical laboratory technologist)
To me, I think it is fine to celebrate the New Year without a lion dance performance because Covid-19 isn’t fully gone yet. Despite being currently in Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan, we should all remain vigilant to prevent transmission.
CHOO
(Shop owner)
In my opinion, it will cause a lot of losses for the lion dance associations or groups if this tradition isn’t allowed during the celebration. As we are now learning to live with the virus, I think there should be a proper SOP to avoid frustration and confusion.
CHANG KAI KIONG
(Sales assistant)
I think that it is not a huge matter because I would prefer it if only my close family and friends come to my house. Since the performers would come in a team, I’m a bit wary of letting them into my compound since the health of our family members matters the most.
JOANNA GOH
(Admin clerk)
Traditionally, we will have the lion dance performance but in this setting where we can never see the end of this pandemic, best to just celebrate it moderately without the dance. It is also for safety purposes, which myself and my family will take precautionary measures during the festive season.
