Customers walking out of religious goods store CYS Heong Trading Sdn Bhd in Taman Yulek, Cheras on Chinese New Year Eve, February 11, 2021. — Picture by Shafwan ZaidonKUALA LUMPUR, Feb 12 — Amid the raging Covid-19 pandemic and government enforced regulations to curb the spread of infections, the once lively Chinese New Year celebrations which usually features large gatherings amongst family and friends will have to be ushered keeping in mind the new norm.
Overall, Lim said her business at Taman Yulek, Cheras has definitely been affected by the movement control order and inconsistency in the government’s announcement over the standard operating procedures announced earlier this month, partly fuelled by the public’s fear and hesitation over whether they were allowed to perform religious rites during CNY amid the pandemic.
A street further away, Feng Long Trading owner Sam Ying Meng also mentioned how he had to provide step-by-step tutorials for young adults who are unable to return home to their parents but wished to honour the customary rites associated with the festivities. Echoing Lim, Sam also said he received numerous enquiries from his customers as to whether his shop is stocked with prayer items to bless one’s health instead of wealth when asked.
According to Melvin Chan, the fourth-generation owner of Fung Wong Biscuits or Fund Wong Global Sdn Bhd, usually, the shop is opened throughout the Chinese New Year celebrations.