KUCHING: This year’s Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations certainly returned bigger, better, impressive and livelier after subdued celebrations in the last two years.
More mass open houses were hosted by organisations, and more families held open houses for relatives, friends and office colleagues. Cakes, titbits and drinks were aplenty.
The New Sarawak Tribune spoke to some members of the public on their CNY celebration.
PRISCILLA TAWIE, 29, FEATURE WRITER
“As usual, Chinese New Year is one of my most anticipated celebrations because it is just the epitome of bonding and reuniting with old friendships and relationships. This year, I enjoyed my celebration particularly because it is the biggest one within the span of two years post-pandemic. I got to meet old contacts without having the fear of contracting COVID-19, and to just get out without much worries. It almost feels like how it was many years ago.”
MOLLIE TOH, 27, SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR
“This year’s celebration is more enjoyable than the previous year. Since this year we are finally coming together and are less worried about COVID. Also it’s a memorable one because it is my first year as a Chinese Muslim and to see my family and in-laws laughing and sharing a meal together despite huge differences in culture and religion; it really made this whole CNY celebration unique and full of happiness. Yes, the celebration is much bigger than last year as most of our family members from Padawan came to our house for ngabang.”
GILBERT CHUNG, 44, TEACHER
“Chinese New Year celebration this year seems to be more festive compared to during the pandemic and last year. And a totally different atmosphere as people are more out and about, doing shopping and now with more open houses, people are visiting each other. Most obvious are the fireworks and firecrackers.”
IVON BONG, 30, SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATOR
“This year’s CNY was special to me because I get to be with my family as a whole. I absolutely enjoyed the past few days of CNY and I’m looking forward to the rest of the days. I would say it’s bigger in terms of the vibe of celebration in Kuching and among my family. We get to visit more houses this year and meet our relatives.”
