KUANTAN: For two National Service Training Programme (PLKN) trainees, this year’s Chinese New Year will be different; celebrated not at home, but with their “extended family” at Force 136 Camp (4th Battalion, 505th Territorial Army Regiment) in Pekan.
Liang Calvin, 18, from Jerantut, admitted feeling sad about not being able to return to his hometown.
“Of course, I feel sad because I can’t receive ang pow or have a reunion dinner with my family, but here I get to celebrate with my Malay and Indian friends, who I consider my extended family,” he said.
Sharing the same sentiment, Tee Yih Khye, 18, from Penang, said celebrating the festival together as “one Malaysia” gives the occasion special meaning.
“We celebrate together as one Malaysia. Even though we are far from our families, this experience brings us closer,” he said, Bernama reported.
Tee also expressed hope that the camp management would introduce more festive dishes representing Malaysia’s diverse communities to enrich the celebration for trainees from different backgrounds.
