KUCHING: This year’s Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration is toned down as Covid-19 pandemic is still running rampant in the state.
The strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) coupled with the absence of the annual CNY bazaars and celebrations have put a wet blanket on Kuching folk’s plans to herald in the Year of the Ox.
For Khiu Joon Ching, 61, who lives in a predominantly Chinese neighbourhood at KMC Flats here in Ban Hock Road, she opined that the Chinese New Year celebration had been always a simple affair.
However, she said this year was the quietest one as the annual lion dance performances had to take a break due to Covid-19.
“It has been a simple CNY for my family. I’m grateful to still have my children and grandchildren staying with me here.
“I hope all celebrants will keep themselves safe while celebrating the new year.”
Another resident, Chiang Chee Seng, 68, said he was alone at home celebrating the new year without the presence of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren due to movement restrictions.
“It is sad as my children live in Kuala Lumpur. Usually, they would return a few days before the festival to help clean the house and bring me shopping.
“But I can’t be angry with them because there is a virus (Covid-19). I hope next year it will be gone so that I can also celebrate the new year like before,” he told New Sarawak Tribune when met at KMC Flats recently.
For KMC Flats residents, although the festival had been a quiet one without the ringing of cymbals and beating of the drums that accompanies lion and dragon dance performances, they believe everyone must take care of their safety in the fight against Covid-19.
