KUCHING: On Feb 1, which is the first day of Chinese New Year (CNY), the Chinese community will welcome the year of the Tiger and say goodbye to the year of the Ox.
The Tiger, according to the Chinese zodiac, symbolises great strength, fearlessness, bravery and forcefulness.
Therefore, it is hoped that the year of the Tiger can overcome all of the negative elements, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking to New Sarawak Tribune in an interview, the president of Teochew Association Kuching Vincent Siew Boon Shen hopes the year of the Water Tiger will bring more stability and prosperity.
“Just like the tiger, it is so strong, and we hope that we can have the same strength to fight over this COVID-19 together,” he said.
He mentioned it was important that not only the Chinese but all races come together and remain united in the fight against COVID-19.
“I hope that this year all Sarawakians and also our friends in West Malaysia live in peace, and may our economy continues to grow stronger than before,” he said.
He also said that although the COVID-19 situation in Sarawak is improving, still the people must not be complacent and be always on the alert.
“During the festive holidays, please follow Sarawak Disaster Management Committee’s (SDMC) standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“This is because we are still in the war with COVID-19 and we must all play our part to ensure that everyone can have a safe celebration,” he said.
On another note, Siew, who is also the advisor of the 159 years old Hiang Thian Siang Ti Temple, Carpenter Street here, also urged those who visit the temple to comply with the SOPs set.
“We are happy that devotees are now allowed to come and pray at the temple, but at the same time, they are reminded to follow strictly to the SOPs,” he said.
He then concluded with a CNY message to all, “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (happy new year), “Gong Xi Fa Chai” (congratulations and get more wealth) and “Shen Ti Jian Kang” (wishing you good health).
Meanwhile, in SDMC’s SOPs for CNY released on Jan 24, the reunion dinner on CNY eve is allowed for immediate family members only.
It said that the number of family members present at the house is at 50 per cent depending on the size of the house while complying with the one-metre physical distance.
Family members are also allowed to have their reunion dinner at the hotels and restaurants and are also subject to the SOPs set by the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government.
Whereas, the CNY celebration is allowed on the first and second day of CNY, however, visiting activities are allowed among immediate family members only.
In addition, the number of family members present at the house is also capped at 50 per cent and depending on the size of the house.
Open houses organised by any individuals, associations or organisations are strictly prohibited.
Meanwhile, prayer services at houses of worship must comply with the SOPs approved by the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) on Jan 13.
Apart from that, after two years of no lion dance, SDMC has finally allowed lion dance on the first four days of CNY from 6am to 6pm.
