KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) is compelled to cancel its Chinese New Year reception which was originally scheduled for next Monday 14 February, 2022.
Announcing this, its President Tan Sri T.C Goh explained that the said decision was inevitable due to drastic spike in Covid-19 cases of late, coupled with many of its committee members and invited guests are currently undergoing self-imposed quarantine after coming into close contact with those who were tested positive for Omicron, the highly contagious corona virus variant, recently.
He added that the cancellation of the said event was also taking into consideration the safety of all the invited guests and Huazong committee members.
In a statement issued today, Goh also extended his utmost apologies to the Prime Minister cum guest-of-honour for the occasion, Datuk Seri Ismlai Sabri Yaakob, and all the invited guests, for the inconveniences caused by the inevitable cancellation of the reception. He also thanked them for their understanding and accommodation towards the cancellation.
He nonetheless hoped that Huazong could organise other forms of cultural events and gathering, when the Covid-19 situation has improved.
He noted that since Chinese New Year celebrations began, there has been drastic increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the country in the last 10 days, from 4,000 cases daily, previously, to more than 17,000 cases on Wednesday, while the total number of accumulated cases has exceeded 290,000 cases, which is an increase by a whopping 425%.
He underscored that such an alarming state should be seriously dealt with with all the necessary measures taken by both the government and the people to continue to combat the elusive and deadly virus. This includes taking the booster vaccine jab besides strictly complying with the standard operating procedures (SOP) mandated by the government, and to avoid gathering.
Goh also urged the Chinese community to continue to give their full cooperation to the government in fighting the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Huazong secretary-general cum organising chairman for the Chinese New Year reception Datuk Wong Aik Loung also extended his apologies to all quarters involved, over the inevitable cancellation of the said event.
He noted that the Chinese New Year gathering has always been a key annual event for Huazong, but it had to be cancelled last year due to the pandemic. This year, following the government relaxing the restrictions allowing Chinese New Year programmes to be held with SOP, Huazong has thus decided to host a close-door reception on this coming 14 February, at 6.30pm, at Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay Auditorium, Wisma Huazong.
Unfortunately, it too has to be cancelled due to a drastic spike in Omicron cases, as of late.-pr/BNN
