KOTA KINABALU: Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrants were urged to exercise self-discipline even though the Federal Government announcement of more relaxed standard operating procedures (SOP) so that the spread of Covid19 could be curbed.
The Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (SATTA) Chairman Dato’s Seri Winston Liaw said the reunion dinner on the eve of Chinese New Year’s should be kept within family members to ensure against virus infection.
“So, spreading of the Coronavirus will likely be minimal. But, we would suggests that, it will be better before visiting the family members house, please do your own RTK-Antigen Test.
“Celebrants who test positive or feel unwell please should stay at home and don’t go out and mingle with others. When visiting friends and relatives make sure to observe social distancing and avoid physical contacts.”
“We don’t want any increase of covid19 infection cases to occur during the Chinese New Year. We want it to steadily decrease,” he stated.
Lion dance troupe member who didn’t see much action last year participated in the celebration this year although they were bound under strict SOP.
According to Kelab Tarian Singa San Shen Gung(Hong Teck)Kota Kinabalu, Manager Karl Chin said for Sabah only, the dancers must complete the two doses of vaccination.
“We resumed our training in December last year in anticipation of the resumption of dance activities. Those under 12 years old were, however, not allowed to join the lion dance. We must strictly adhere to the SOPs such as wearing masks at all time and we must also obtain police permit to perform,” said Chin.
“Last year the lion dance activities was not allowed by the government and most of our members stayed at home, furthermore the number of Covid-19 cases were reported all over the state, and at that time, we weren’t vaccinated yet, he recalled.
He also expressed appreciation to the Sabah Government for continuing to donate lion heads to the association despite the ones they received last year were not used and still new.
“We are still going around to greet the people from house to house and other than that, we are planning to perform some charity show to help the needy. W@e have done one last week for an orphanage.
Most of our members had been waited eagerly to dance again even though no serious practice was carry out last year due to the SOPs, he said.
“We told our member to be patience. They are waiting for this day to come since we stop training last year,” said Chin.
Chinese Relation Officer for Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Goon Thien Shang said last year was a quiet Chinese New Year as there were no open house, traditional night market and lion dance performance.
“Since this year most of the population has been vaccinated and with a relaxed SOPs and lion dances are allowed, we can expect to enjoy a merriment atmosphere again,” said Goon.
Even thought, the government allows us celebrate the festival but we must always follow the SOPs that had been set, he advised.
“For instance, the reunion dinner was decided for family members and not for among friends. Those in overseas were allowed to come home this year without subject to quarantine unlike last year they were not allowed to return,” Goon cited.
He advised the people to avoid gathering in large crowds to prevent the spread of new clusters and ‘we must always check our body temperature as the Covid-19 is still in our midst’.
“Those we are feeling unwell must immediately seek medical attention or take their own initiative to do the RTK-Antigen Test,” he said.
“We hope the Year of the Tiger will bring new hope to everyone after struggling to survive for two years especially now that the Sabah Government is reopening the economic sectors, he said.
For the food and beverage (F&B) sector, the SOPs would be strictly adhered to there would be no compromise for patrons who refused to follow the regulations set by the Ministry of Health. (MoH).
5th Avenue Bistro and Café, and E-West Restaurant F&B Area Manager Jessy Chau said their restaurants received encouraging bookings from diners who want to celebrate the Chinese New Year eve dinner.
“We are sticking to the 50 per cent capacity set by MoH. Patrons must scan their MySejahtera and body temperature before entering the establishments. This applies to everyone including those who had made advanced booking.”
“We also welcome walk-in customers, as long as they are fully vaccinated. We want to ensure the safety of all diners,” she said.
“We also have non-Chinese patrons who orders the Chinese New Year set menus as a gift to their Chinese friends to show goodwill,” she said.
During the Chinese New Year Celebration, the unique traits of Sabahan would be showcased.
Marketing and Promotion Manager of Jesselton Team Sdn Bhd, Telcadora James the festivals in Sabah showcased racial solidarity in the state where the people regardless of ethnic backgrounds and creeds came together to celebrate all festivals held in the community.
During the Chinese New Year celebration family and friends with diverse religious and racial background would come together to share the joy and this, she believed enhanced friendship and understanding among Sabahans.
“In Sabah, we can find different races and religions living under a same roof through intermarriages which is very common,” she quipped.
However, she hoped the people would not take their safety for granted especially during the reunion dinner as theyw ould be joined by extended family members.
“We must be responsible and take care of our own health,” she stressed adding that if one didn’t feel well, they should stay at home, away from crowds.
She also made it a point to conduct own self RTK-Antigen Test before attending gathering to make sure everyone is safe.
Last week, National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique said the National Security Council’s SOP for phase four of the national recovery plan for social activity currently being enforced wouid be applicable during the Chinese New Year celebration period.
Among others, family and friends were allowed to visit each other’s homes throughout the Chinese New Year festivities from January 31 to February 15.-BNN
