MUKAH: A Chinese senior citizen’s wish for the coming Chinese New Year (CNY) is to see a quick end to the Covid-19 pandemic in Sarawak so that the people can enjoy life as before.
Tan Kok Chieng, 81, said life had been very challenging to Sarawakians since the pandemic hit early last year.
Hailing from Penakub Ulu here, Tan, fondly known as Bujang, also hoped that Mukah District would always remain a green zone.
“For now, we just have to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) by wearing masks, among other things, to help break the chain of infection,” he told New Sarawak Tribune on Wednesday (Feb 10).
He said unlike previous years, the coming CNY celebration would be different as there would be no open house.
However, Bujang, who is unmarried and unemployed, said it would not bother him much as he was old now.
According to him, at his age, there was not much he could do or plan for the new year, but just continue to live as usual.
He revealed that he was currently staying at one of his nieces’ home in a shophouse, and once in a while, would return to his village in Penakub Ulu.
Bujang, who has hearing problem, is supported by his nephews and nieces, besides receiving monthly aid from the Welfare Department.
He is the youngest among 12 siblings, comprising seven males and five females, and one of the two still alive, including the third (female) eldest who is currently in China.
He said during his younger age, he worked in a shipping company in Kuala Baram, Miri for about 40 years, and returned here in 1990.
Bujang, who is fluent in the Melanau dialect, wishes all Sarawakians to be healthy and prosperous always in coming Year of the Ox.
