BY JACINTHA JOLENE
KUCHING: The coronavirus pandemic has once again dampened the mood for the Chinese New Year celebration, despite the increase in vaccination rates and low number of cases recorded.
This Lunar New Year welcomes the Year of the Tiger, which is named after one of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac.
This will mark the third year the festivities are celebrated in the shadow of the pandemic, adding on with the constant worries of the possibility of transmitting the virus.
New Sarawak Tribune met with a few individuals from the Chinese community and shared how they celebrated the festive season this year.
IVINA MICHELLE SIM
(Teacher)
I celebrate Chinese New Year a little bit different this year. With strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOP), visiting is restricted to only close relatives. Despite the absence of lion dance performances, I can say that the celebration is still happening with family members by my side.
JOYCELYN CHAN
(Student)
For this year’s celebrations, I can say it is merrier than last year as closed family members and friends are allowed to visit, as long as they adhered to the SOP and with a fully vaccinated status. The fireworks are also more impressive and vibrant as compared to last year.
SANDRA BONG
(Student)
It is still a muted celebration as compared to the previous years. I couldn’t invite many people to come and visit, only closed ones are invited because we all have a role to play and that is to comply with the SOP.
CHONG TZE HAN
(STUDENT)
Obviously, the celebration wasn’t as merry as before and my family and I decided to celebrate it moderately. There wasn’t any huge preparation made in welcoming the New Year and no visiting is allowed as well.
