JOHOR BARU: It will be a special Chinese New Year for many here who are finally able to celebrate the festivity with loved ones.
Business systems analyst Tan Sheau Hui, 48, said she is looking forward to travelling back to Johor Baru from Melaka for the festival.
“I am really excited for Chinese New Year as this is the first time I get to celebrate it with my family since the Covid-19 outbreak.
“I look forward to making cookies, decorating my house and preparing for the reunion dinner with my loved ones.
Home at last: Business system analyst Tan Sheau Hui, 48.
“I worked in Singapore before taking up the job in Melaka, and I was also unable to return to Johor for the past two years as the border was closed.
“This year, my wish to be home will be fulfilled!” she told The Star.
Recalling the festivity last year, she said she made a video call to her family in Johor just to feel closer to them during their separate reunion dinners.
“My brother was also in Singapore at that time, and we had a reunion dinner along with some friends.
“My other two brothers, one based in Australia and the other in Kuala Lumpur, will also be coming back for Chinese New Year for the first time in a long time,” she said.
Avoiding the traffic: Event executive Bobo Thean, 31.
Event executive Bobo Thean, 31, who works in Singapore, will travel back to her hometown in Kluang by taking the train a few days prior.
“I am so happy about being home this Chinese New Year, but I am just a bit worried about congestion at the border.
“There will surely be heavy traffic as this will be the first time many of those working in Singapore will be able to go back to Johor for the festival.
“To avoid getting stuck on the road, I have decided to take the train instead,” she said.
Thean said Chinese New Year is also a good time for her to catch up with relatives.
Travelling up north: Business owner Chua Kim Song, 46.
“This is the time when we can really sit down and talk as most of the time we are busy with our commitments,” she said.
Business owner Chua Kim Song, 46, said she looks forward to celebrating Chinese New Year in Penang with her family this year and plans to return there by Wednesday.
“Before the pandemic, we would go to my husband’s hometown in Penang for Chinese New Year every year before returning to Johor Baru to celebrate with my family.
“However, since 2020, we had been unable to do so and could only see our loved ones through video calls,” she said.
