PETALING JAYA: The exodus home has begun for many Malaysians returning to celebrate the Chinese New Year with their families.
William Tan (pic), 49, a lawyer who practises in Hong Kong, made his first trip back after three years due to the country’s strict quarantine policy.
His visit was extra special as this year as he managed to come home to surprise his 74-year-old mother.
He said he was very upset at not being able to return to Malaysia for the past three years and missed his family in Batu Pahat.
Hong Kong has had one of the strictest travel restrictions for the past two years.
While most countries reopened their doors to international travellers bit by bit, Hong Kong remained shut off from the world.
“I am returning home with my wife, who is also Malaysian and works in Hong Kong.
“I did not inform my mother that I was coming home; I wanted to surprise her and my family members,” he said when contacted.
Tan said the trip back to Malaysia from Hong Kong was challenging, having to layover in Taipei and transit the next day before arriving in Kuala Lumpur. Fares too doubled after the reopening.
“Last year’s Chinese New Year was the fifth wave of the Covid-19 outbreak in Hong Kong, and almost all Hong Kong people worked from home, and I was no exception.
“I could only call my mother to say hello and wish her a happy Chinese New Year,” he said.
He said he missed those days when everyone went to the temple to worship and pray for blessings after the reunion dinner.
“We have booked two tables at a restaurant for this year’s reunion dinner and I am looking forward to meeting my family,” he added.
Another Malaysian, who only wanted to be known as Sean, has been unemployed for two months.
He has not told his elderly mother this since returning to his hometown in Alor Setar.
“I used to be very busy at work, and I only had 3 to 4 days to go home for the Chinese New Year reunion dinner.
“I lost my job two months ago, and I had to pretend as if nothing was wrong and stay at home for four days, as usual, to keep my mother happy.
“I plan to look for a new job after Chinese New Year and hope to find one,” he said, having previously worked for a media production company.
The 36-year-old said he is using his savings to get by for now.
“I have a car loan to pay for plus I have to do some Chinese New Year shopping,” he added.
