PETALING JAYA: Sales are blooming again for florists, including reservations for special lunch packages, as Malaysians embark on the celebration of Mother’s Day once again after two years.

       As the country transitions towards endemicity, people purchase bouquets of flowers and book hotel stays with their mothers to celebrate the special occasion.

       Chua Sok Teng, manager of Alice Florist in Melaka, said there was a 20% increase in flower sales by the bouquets.

       “Compared to pandemic days, more customers are coming out now to choose the bouquets themselves, so they buy more.

       “Before this, people have been more passive about sending bouquets while some mothers tell their children that they do not want flowers due to the pandemic.

       “We have customers buying several bouquets for mothers and aunties, so it’s like a family reunion because they haven’t met and celebrated together over the past two years,” she said.

       However, Chua said some are still sceptical about receiving flowers due to concerns over Covid-19 transmission.

       “Business has yet to return to pre-pandemic days though,” she added.

       Mothers are also in for a special treat as hotels and restaurants saw an increase in bookings.

       Sunway Pyramid Hotel and Sunway Clio Hotel recorded a 10% surge in occupancy this Mother’s Day weekend compared to other weekends.

       Its spokesman said the growth was relatively better, even surpassing 2019 bookings.

       The Four Seasons Hotel, which offered a variety of packages for Mother’s Day this weekend, said their outlets were “fully booked”.

       A spokesman said the lounge, Chinese restaurant and spa are doing very well with people treating their mothers.

       “Usually during weekends, our outlets are packed but for this week, even rooms are fully booked for Mother’s Day with mostly families having a get together,” said the spokesman.