PETALING JAYA: In adherence with the Covid-19 standard operating procedure, MCA’s annual Chinese New Year (CNY) banquet will carry on this year via a reception format instead of the usual open house, says party secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon.

       He said the CNY banquet this year will be a scaled down event on Feb 1 and will be on an invitation-only basis due to the SOP by the National Unity Ministry that restricts open houses during the festive season.

       “Approximately 300 guests have been invited, which is a figure lower than the 50% of the capacity of the San Choon hall in Wisma MCA.”

       Chong said invited VIPs were the Prime Minister, former premiers, Barisan Nasional chairman, ministers and their deputies, leaders of Chinese guilds and associations, and heads of foreign missions, among others.

       Despite the scaled down event, the banquet will feature cultural events such as the lion dance welcome, lou sang, tea art performance, the distribution of mandarin oranges by the God of Fortune, and more, he added.

       “On that day, we hope that everyone can come together and celebrate responsibly with Malaysians nationwide, albeit on a simpler scale this year due to pandemic restrictions.

       “On behalf of MCA, I wish Malaysians a healthy and prosperous Year of the Tiger, as well as peace and stability for our beloved country,” said Chong.