Families send off Kitchen God

Bon voyage: Hong making the offerings as his staff look on during the sending-off of the Kitchen God at the restaurant in George Town, Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

KLANG: The Covid-19 pandemic has not stopped some Taoists from faithfully sending off the Kitchen God to heaven as part of a ritual to welcome the Chinese New Year.

For Ch’ng Kin Chai of Pandamaran New Village, the annual practice of sending off the deity, also known as Zao Jun, began early yesterday at 8.30am with offerings and prayers at his family home.

“My grandfather built this house more than 60 years ago and our family has been paying tribute to the deity every year.

“With some fruit, huat kueh and paper prayer items, my wife and I prayed and asked the deity to put in a good word for us when he presents our household report to the Jade Emperor. We also asked him for blessings this new year, ” he said.

Chng said his grandfather passed down the age-old practice to them and the family never faltered in its obligation.

For Hong Lee Chern from George Town, Penang, he took this sending off opportunity to pray for the wellbeing of his fellow colleagues, all of whom were restaurant workers, wishing them a better year ahead.

The 38-year-old executive chef said the restaurant he worked in has been closed since the movement control order was enforced on Jan 13.

“I wish my colleagues would be blessed and have good fortune during this difficult time. I also pray everyone is healthy and has enough food on the table.

“Hopefully, all of us can return to work and prosper again, ” he said at the restaurant in Fortune Park, Jelutong.

Four, including Hong, out of 30 restaurant staff took part in the 30-minute prayer, which saw a host of items such as thnee kuih (sticky cake or kuih bakul), mandarin oranges, sweets and joss paper being offered at the altar of the restaurant kitchen.

Hong said the restaurant was closed for now.

“We will operate for three days during the Chinese New Year to deliver pre-booked dishes, ” he said.

Octogenarian Ong Yim Tee, 82, prayed for peace and good health for her entire family.

“This year, some of them are unable to return home for reunion dinner due to the MCO but I am fortunate as a few of my children live nearby in Gelugor, ” he said.

Ong was accompanied by her sons Ooi Kee Chun, 58, and Ooi Kee Hooi, 56, who live a few doors down the road.

This annual ritual is conducted on the 24th day of the 12th lunar month.

According to Chinese belief, the Kitchen God would report on events in the household during the last year to the Jade Emperor when he ascends to heaven.

Thnee kuih is a must during the annual send-off as the sweet glutinous rice cake is said to sweeten the deity’s mood and “seal” his lips to prevent him from making unfavourable reports.