KUALA LUMPUR – Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah today extended greetings to Malaysians celebrating Chinese New Year which falls tomorrow.
Their Majesties posted a message on the Istana Negara Instagram and Facebook accounts, which read: “May the blessings of the New Year shower you and your loved ones with prosperity, good health, joy and goodwill towards one another as fellow Malaysians.”
They also reminded everyone to be vigilant, practice physical distancing and stay safe during this new normal of celebrations in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chinese New Year 2021 ushers in the Year of the Ox.
Give new strength to the nation
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in his Chinese New Year address that was broadcast on local television stations today hopes that the ‘Year of the Ox’ will lift the spirits of and give new strength to Malaysians to continue to break the chain of COVID-19 infection and revive the country’s economy.
Despite being faced with constraints following the pandemic, the Prime Minister believes that the Chinese New Year could still be celebrated with great joy and excitement in the country.
“I hope this year’s Chinese New Year will bring happiness and prosperity to all Malaysians.
“This festival, celebrated by the Chinese community in the country, is proof of the mutual respect among the people of various races and religions,” he said.
The Prime Minister, who also took the opportunity to convey his family’s Happy Chinese New Year greetings, said that the pandemic had resulted in not only this festival but also those of other races and religions in the country to be celebrated in a more cautious manner.
“We need to maintain this strength, which is one of the main thrusts of the national unity of the country that we love. Hopefully, we will be able to recapture the prosperity together,” he said.
He hoped that everyone would use the festival to enrich themselves in the cultures and traditions of Malaysia’s various races and religions, as well as to strengthen mutual respect among one another.
SOP to protect lives
Commenting on certain standard operating procedures (SOP), including the interdistrict and interstate travelling restrictions as set by the government, he said it was not meant to restrict freedom but for the common good so as to protect lives, especially our loved ones.
“This is important because our priority right now is to break the chain of COVID-19 infection and protect the lives of the people,” he said.
Muhyiddin said that having taken into consideration the traditional reunion dinner for the festival, the government had eased its restrictions by allowing it to be attended by family members staying nearby and up to 15 people so that it would be a meaningful celebration.
He also said that religious activities at Chinese houses of worship were also permitted in accordance with the stipulated standard operating procedures (SOP).
“What is important is that you practice self-control at all times. Adopt the practice of wearing face masks, physical distancing and washing hands always. If any family members are from the high-risk group, protect them.
“For those living far away or students who have to stay at university or college campuses, take advantage of technology to make video calls to stay in touch with family and friends,” he said.
Avoid large gatherings
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah today reminded Malaysians to avoid large gatherings during the Chinese New Year.
In a post shared on his Facebook, Dr Noor Hisham said that even though the COVID-19 situation in the country was gradually improving, large gatherings could cause another spike in cases.
“COVID-19 has yet again refrained us from another public celebration and gathering during this Chinese New Year.
“Either we make it or break it during this celebration to control the situation. The onus and responsibility are on everyone,” he said.
He also reminded those who are celebrating to stay at home and celebrate with family members, and most importantly to protect the vulnerable people in the family.
“May the Almighty guide and protect us all to end this pandemic in time. Insha Allah (God willing). May this Year of the Ox brings you the strength to face and win every difficulty that comes in your way. Happy Chinese New Year,” he said.
The Chinese community will celebrate Chinese New Year tomorrow and Saturday with strict COVID-19 prevention standard operating procedures (SOP) in place, the same as for the Aidilfitri and Deepavali celebrations last year.
