Kampung Chempaka villagers making Bai Jia Mi with Jamaliah (third from left) and Lim (fourth from left).
MANY villagers of Kampung Chempaka in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, go all out to keep tradition alive when celebrating Chinese New Year.
A new coat of paint for the exterior of her rented house is a must for cleaning supervisor Keu Lake Lam.
“Last year I painted the house purple and this year, it is light pink and white.
“I do the painting myself to save money; it makes me happy to have a nicely painted house,” said Keu.
Due to the increase in the price of goods, she also decided to make some of her own snacks.
“I bought crabsticks from Selayang market and deep-fried them with curry leaves. My grandchildren enjoy them.”
Keu said the festive season could still be fun and memorable without having to spend much.
“When there is money, we can spend extra. When prices of things go up, we cut down.”
Yip Yoke Foo, 62, is a bachelor who lives with his brother’s family in Kampung Chempaka.
Every year the family decorates the porch with lights.
“We moved to this village in 1974 and there was no electricity then. We used a generator and kerosene lamps.
“People used to place red cloth over the main door but many don’t practise it anymore.
“Everything costs money and decorating takes effort. People just cut corners these days.”
He added that the family only consumed vegetarian food on Chinese New Year day.
Yip ensuring the porch of his family house is lit up for CNY.
“We eat meat during the reunion dinner on the eve and cook the dishes ourselves to cut costs,” said Yip.
Bandar Utama assemblyman Jamaliah Jamaluddin joined Kampung Chempaka residents for the Bai Jia Mi (Rice from hundred households) event.
It is a tradition where 100 households share rice to signify harmony and prosperity.
Kampung Chempaka village chief Theresa Lim said the rice was collected from 100 households and redistributed.
“We repack it in small packets and distribute it. Residents will mix it with their own rice at home.
“The Chinese used to believe the rice was able to heal children who are always sick.
“The activity of gathering the rice fosters better ties within the community,” added Lim.
Keu paints her rented house every year to get in the festive mood.
The CNY spirit was also felt at Pasar Besar Chempaka where lanterns obtained from Hean Tian Siong Teh Kiong were put up.
“The temple changes its lanterns yearly so they are discarded after a year.
“We took about 200 lanterns from them and hung them around the market, which looks beautiful at night,” said Lim.
