Muslim convert continues Qing Ming tradition

KUCHING: Chinese customs are still an important part of life for Muslim convert Norlina Abdullah @ Song Ai Ling.

This includes honouring her late father during Qing Ming, which is also known as Chinese All Souls Day or Tomb-Sweeping Day.

Norlina and her children went to the Chinese cemetery at Mile 16 Kuching-Serian Road yesterday to visit the grave of her father Song Toh Chu, who died in 2000.

They cleaned the grave, tidied the area around it and paid their respects.

“Every year, in keeping with Chinese customs, I will bring my children to visit my father’s grave.

“Although I converted to Islam when I married, I’m still a Chinese and this is an important tradition to remember our origins,” she said.

She added that this would also help the family to remember their loved ones and strengthen family ties.