Temenggong Tan Kian Hoo (standing, fourth right) entertains guests at his Chinese New Year open house.
KAPIT: The Chinese New Year is celebrated on a moderate scale here, but there is no lacking in hospitality as many hold open houses for relatives, friends and well-wishers.
Members of the local Chinese business community, who have been working almost non-stop throughout the year, take full advantage of the festival to go outstation and visit relatives and friends, as well as to relax.
A coffee shop operator, who wishes to be known only as Soon, said he had been working all-year round and therefore, decided to travel abroad for a week with his family to enjoy the beach and sight-seeing.
“I have planned long time ago to travel with my family, to a place where I can relax and spend quality time with my wife and children for a week.”
Chairman of United Chinese Association, Liew Song Swee and his family, decided to spend the Chinese New Year holidays in Kuala Lumpur this time.
“We booked the air tickets very early. We’re going to Kuala Lumpur to stay with my two daughters, who are working there. Since they’re free, my daughters will drive us around to see places of interest,” he said.
Still, the majority of those celebrating Chinese New Year are staying put this year because it is an election year.
Minister, people’s representatives, political leaders, heads of departments and community leaders were seen moving from house to house, wishing their hosts a happy Chinese New Year.
Temenggong Tan Kian Hoo, on Sunday evening, hosted a ‘New Year Eve Dinner’ for the local elected representatives, heads of departments and community leaders at his residence at Jalan Bletih here.
On the first day of the celebration, Tan and other Chinese community leaders accompanied Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi to visit prominent Chinese families here. Joining the entourage were political secretaries to chief minister Wilson Nyabong Ijang, Jefferson Jamit Unyat and Datuk Paul Igai.
President of Sarawak Workers Party (SWP) Larry Sng held an open house on the first day at his residence near Jalan Airport, where he also presented cash incentives to those eligible under the Larry Sng Education Fund.
Among the prominent local Chinese leaders holding open houses are Penghulu Wong Kie Ing, Penghulu Sia Shui Poh, Kapitan Micky Ngu, Kapitan Kong Chak Hee, Kapitan Yap Hui Lee, MRC chairman Dr Sia Tih Kong, Chinese Chamber of Commerce chairman Dato Yong Hua Sying and Kapit Foochow Association chairman Sii Bang Ee.