KUALA LUMPUR: Families continue to gather in their hometowns across Sarawak and Sabah, with many making final preparations on Christmas Eve to ensure that they can enjoy the festivities in a comfortably.
Many people had already travelled home earlier in the week, with many opting to do their last-minute Christmas shopping in the morning to avoid crowds.
In Sarawak, housewife Jelumi Lakun, 21, who will be celebrating with her newborn baby boy, was seen at the Kuching Sentral Bus Terminal with her brother-in-law while waiting to return to her longhouse in Kanowit.
She admitted that her decision to return was made at the last minute after her mother requested that all her children come back for the occasion.
“I really can’t wait to return because I’m excited to be with everyone, as we rarely have the opportunity to gather together.
“I’ve completed my preparations and my brother-in-law will accompany me on the six-hour journey with my baby from Kuching to Sibu before we continue on to Kanowit.
“I’m sure the trip will go smoothly as the Pan Borneo Highway has been completed,” she said.
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak final year student Larry Enteba Langgong, 23, expressed relief at securing a bus ticket at the last minute to his longhouse in Kabo, Saratok, as he was eager to reunite with his family after being away for his studies.
“After about three to four hours, I’ll arrive in Saratok and then spend another 46 minutes or so to reach the longhouse,” he said.
In Sabah, teacher Chris Wee Kia Kee, 50, chose to do his last-minute shopping early with his wife at about 10am yesterday.
Wee, who travelled from Melaka to celebrate Christmas with his wife in Penampang, said they had left home at 9.30am to ensure shopping went smoothly.
Civil servant Rose Marie Rogellio, 45, shared that she would be celebrating Christmas in moderation while continuing her family’s tradition of gathering together to exchange gifts and play games.
