JOHOR BARU: While fireworks and large-scale countdowns in open areas were going around town, a small group were indoors celebrating – and making their New Year wishes – in their own way.
The group, which included locals, Orang Asli villagers as well as Sabahans and Sarawakians, gathered to simply eat, sing and spend time together at shoplot-turned-church in Skudai.
It was a cosy potluck-style get-together hosted by Pastor Marry Jonathan, 63.
“The highlight of the evening was a bakso dish I prepared using a recipe passed down through my family in Indonesia.
“The Indonesian meatballs are my signature dish and I started preparing it since the morning,” she said yesterday.
Others contributed dishes of their own, including opak pisang (traditional Iban food) and fried dishes, ensuring there was enough for everyone.
“Everyone brought something to share, and that made it feel very warm and meaningful,” Jonathan added.
Attendees also reflected on the year gone by, sharing personal highs and lows before writing down their hopes for the year ahead.
The wishes were folded into paper planes and flown, a symbol of a flight into 2026.
After the feasting, the children enjoyed lighting small fireworks outside the building.
Jonathan said the gathering was planned just days ago after the group had celebrated Christmas together.
“It was not anything grand, just something meaningful with family and close friends.
“Seeing them reminds us of what we have to be thankful for,” she said.
