Skipping Qing Ming a tough call for many

Perak folk who choose to return to their hometown to honour the dearly departed for Qing Ming are advised to avoid crowded areas.

THE Covid-19 outbreak has thrown a spanner in the works for people working outstation with plans to return to their hometown to observe Qing Ming.

Qing Ming is similar to All Souls Day observed by Christians. It is also known as Tomb Sweeping Day.

For engineer Ho Wei Bin, the tradition of filial piety in honouring ancestors is sacred.

The Qing Ming celebration has, over the years, attracted large crowds at cemeteries and columbariums. However, in light of Covid-19, the movement control order by the Government has made it difficult for families to pay respects to their dead.

Perak-born Ho, who works in Shah Alam, Selangor, is in a dilemma over whether to return home for Qing Ming.

“My family and I have been planning to go home at the end of this month to pay our respects.

“While the cemetery in Parit is small, the columbarium in Bercham can get crowded.

“We are concerned about this and still contemplating our trip.

“For now, we will wait and see. The earliest possible date to return is next week, ” he said.

Qing Ming is a tradition that has been observed for more than 2,500 years, where family members gather to pay homage to their dearly departed.

This year, Qing Ming falls on April 4.

Computer graphics animator Julian Chai was advised by his parents to remain in Petaling Jaya.

“They discouraged me from travelling to Perak.

“They also told my sister, who works in Singapore, not to make the trip, ” said the 34-year-old father of one.

He added that he would only leave his home to replenish essential items.

Chai hoped that the government would issue directives to private companies to establish plans or standard operating procedures to deter the spread of the virus.

“We can really learn from some countries that have efficiently managed to reduce Covid-19 cases, ” he said.

Perak Kwang Tung Association chairman Lai Kun Fook said the association could not discourage people from performing their filial duties.

“We can only advise people to avoid crowds and this usually takes place a week before or a week after April 4.

“I understand some people are concerned that those working outstation may spread the virus when they return to Perak.

“We urge people to take the necessary precautions like washing their hands after prayers, and to change and wash their clothes immediately, ” he said, adding that workers at the cemetery in Jalan Raja Dihilir were also encouraged to observe proper hygiene and wear masks.

“Those who are not well should stay at home, ” he said.