AS the Year of the Ox is soon to ushered in on Feb 12, the Lunar New Year celebration is expected to be toned down this year in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The Chinese community is unlikely to hold a grand celebration like before as Malaysia is still grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic. As it is, virtually all states are put under a renewed movement control order (MCO 2.0) from Jan 13. It will last until Feb 4, after which the authorities will review the situation.
Many businesses from various sectors have already suffered a tremendous blow ever since a strict lockdown was imposed last March.
While they were slowly on the verge of recovery, another surge of the Covid-19 cases forced the authorities to reimpose MCO and thus put paid to their hopes.
Their frustrations and worries are understandable, especially since many of them are from the low and middle-income groups.
Feeling the pinch too are shops selling Chinese New Year paraphernalia and festival decorative items.
Buletin Mutiara approached a few of these shopkeepers, who wish the gloom can be lifted as soon as possible.
Eng Ong Heong Trading owner, G.H. Teh foresees that the Chinese New Year festival would take place in a ‘small-scale’.
He understands that they have no choice but to bear with the current situation in order for the chain of infection to be broken.
“I feel the authorities are doing a great job in containing the pandemic. Like it or not, the MCO is the only way to bring down the infection rate.
“When the conditional movement control order (CMCO) or recovery movement control order (RMCO) was implemented, many people were seen gathering together and letting their guard down.
“Thus, it’s better to suffer for a short term now rather than having the people’s livelihood be adversely impacted in the long term.
“Yes, everyone of us will be hugely affected but health must be prioritised at all cost,” he said when interviewed at his shop in Rangoon Road today.
On this year’s festival, Teh said many events in shopping malls and hotels have been cancelled.
“Temples could not be opened while malls have scaled down on their decorations. I would say our business has dropped tremendously.
“At the end of the day, the public’s well-being and safety must be taken into account,” he stressed.
Wan Lee Brothers Sdn Bhd owner Lu Siew Kheng, 65, was visibly frustrated with the prolonged MCO, which has hampered her business drastically.
The over 40 years of wholesaler and retailer establishment in Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong is experiencing losses due to the pandemic and lockdowns.
Lu told Buletin Mutiara that her business has plummeted this year.
“It’s understandable as interstate travel is banned till Feb 4.
“Now, we are trying to give discounts on the items related to the Year of the Ox. We hope that we don’t stock up too much merchandise.
“This is the first time I’ve encountered such a torrid time after more than 40 years of running the business.
“I hope for the best, especially during last-minute shopping spree,” she said.
Kong Fatt Trading owner Kenny Lim is also in the same boat as Lu.
“First of all, we are not the essential service and the people would mostly reduce their expenses on these decorative items.
“Now, I have also moved on to another platform in Shopee, hoping to find another way to promote my business,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ang Lai Kiew, 63, who was buying some items for the upcoming festival, said it would be a simple celebration for her family this year.
“My children, who are currently residing in other states, are likely not coming back due to the interstate travel ban.
“It will be a low-key celebration,” she said.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan