PETALING JAYA: The Chinese community is happy at the prospect of a more relaxed Chinese New Year celebration this year.

       But they will still remain cautious and look after their health despite the less strict Covid-19 standard operating procedure.

       Insurance agent Khor Zhen Ling, 31, said she was looking forward to returning to her hometown in Triang, Pahang, for the celebration.

       “It has been two years since we had a family reunion during Chinese New Year and I’m happy that the SOP this year allows me to celebrate with my extended family members again,” she said in an interview.

       Khor said the new SOP for this year was also straightforward and acceptable compared to the previous SOP as there was confusion over its interpretation.

       Corporate executive Lee Jiao Yin, 26, was also happy to celebrate Chinese New Year with her extended family once again following a muted celebration last year.

       “Despite these relaxations, several of my relatives with younger children are still hesitant to join us as they are cautious,” she said.

       She said the public should also take safety precautions despite the relaxed SOP.

       Media executive Ho Jia Wen, 22, who is based in Petaling Jaya, said she was glad that the celebration this year was returning to how it was before the pandemic.

       “My family takes Chinese New Year celebrations seriously and being able to have the reunion dinner and visit our relatives bring much excitement,” she said.

       Ho suggested that as the country progresses towards the endemic stage, the SOP should be relaxed, especially considering that many economic sectors are operating as normal.

       She also said that the details of the SOP were also easier to understand this year.

       Housewife Abby Chong, 37, said she would reconsider travelling back to her hometown in Ipoh despite missing out last year.

       Although both she and her husband are vaccinated, her children aged three and six are not, thus they may be at a higher risk of exhibiting serious symptoms if they contract Covid-19.

       “Because of that, we might just have a simple celebration with the four of us at home here,” she said.

       Chong added that only relatives from within the Klang Valley were invited to visit their home as a precautionary measure.

       Electrical engineer Diong Boh Wen, 27, who is based in Sabah, also said his family decided to take a cautious approach during the celebration.

       “We have decided not to travel and meet up with our relatives based in the peninsula.

       “Although we do miss being able to see them, we believe that this might be the best option now to minimise the risk of contracting the virus,” he added.