GEORGE TOWN: Despite yearning to be home for Chinese New Year, Malaysians working abroad have to be content with celebrating the Year of the Ox away from their loved ones.
A Singapore-based business analyst who wished to be known only as Kuan, 26, said with the rise of Covid-19 cases in Malaysia, it was unlikely that she would be home for this year’s reunion dinner.
“I have been working in Singapore for the past two years, and this will be the first year I will not be home to celebrate Chinese New Year with my family. It is not safe as the number of cases is quite worrying.
“The long quarantine period required for arrivals is also not practical for me. I will probably celebrate with my friends here in Singapore, ” Kuan said.
Research manager Kay Chen (pic), 26, who has been residing in Hong Kong for two years, echoed Kuan’s sentiment.
“Since international travels are still not allowed, I will probably celebrate here with my aunt. I will miss catching up with my friends in Ipoh as Chinese New Year is the only time we get to see each other, ” she said.
Vangohh Eminent event senior manager KC Ooi said dining during the festive period would shift from hotel eateries to the ballroom.“The 12,000sq ft ballroom has more space and can fit 70 tables while adhering to standard operating procedure, ” he said yesterday.
Ooi said bookings for Chinese New Year reunion dinners had dropped by about 30% this year compared to last year.
