AS the Covid-19 situation gradually improves, many engaged couples are planning to tie the knot next Friday (May 20), which is considered to be the Chinese Valentine’s Day celebration.
The Chinese pronunciation for ‘five two zero’ (wu er ling) bears some resemblance to ‘wu ai ni’ which means ‘I love you’.
Over the years during this time, many couples take the opportunity to wish each other ‘I love you’ while some take the auspicious date to get hitched.
According to Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH) registrar of marriage (ROM) Lim Choo Hooi, he was expecting 54 pairs of couples to be present next week.
“There will be certain slot of times available for registration of marriage (ROM).
“We allow some of them to go into ROM room at the selected time.
“I will be there with two assistants,” he told Buletin Mutiara.
Che Wee Khor Moral Uplifting Society assistant registrar of marriage Chan Boon Teong said 32 couples would be coming over for ROM.
“We will ensure that they take their turns to avoid a crowded hall.
“Adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) is important,” he said.
Meanwhile, Federal florist owner Kim Ling, 48, said she has yet to receive plenty of orders, but foresees the orders coming in next week.
“I am looking forward to next week as many of the lovebirds usually buy flowers at the very last minute.
“In Malaysia, May 20 (520) is not that famous compared to China, but most of the younger generation are celebrating it,” she said when met at her shop in Pulau Tikus.
Story by Edmund Lee