KOTA KINABALU: For families in Sabah, the countdown to 2022 took place in their own backyard. And bathing when the clock strikes 12 to ward off bad luck.

       This comes following the nationwide ban on New Year’s Eve celebrations as well as the closing of all City Hall public beach parks – Tanjung Aru 1 and Likas Bay – from 1pm yesterday till 6am today.

       Housewife Rozita Alexander said she and her family started the day off by fishing at a pond just near their village home in Kota Belud district.

       This was followed by a small gathering over barbecue in the evening.

       “At midnight, those who wish to can go to a small creek not far from the house to bathe and ‘buang sial’,” said the 37-year-old mother of one.

       Michael Losou, 40, said with no beach dipping allowed again this year due to Covid-19 concerns, the small waterfall behind his family home in Kota Belud was the perfect place to wash away bad omen and welcome the new year.

       The father of one and civil servant said it did not matter that they could not go to the beach like they used to before the pandemic.

       “What’s more important is that I get to spend the new year with my family,” he said.

       For some in Penampang and Kota Kinabalu, inflatable pools were the next best thing to use for their midnight dips.

       Rosie Mijoh, 55, said like the previous year, she had prepared an inflatable pool for the adults and children alike to have their midnight swim.

       “It would still be fun and serve the purpose,” she said.

       Her elder sister Marcella, 60, on the other hand, did not join in the pool party.

       Instead, she filled up a bucket full of flower-infused water to “mandi bunga”, another common practice among Sabahans.

       Mandi bunga or bathing with water filled with flowers is said to not only wash away the bad luck of the past but also rejuvenate and “invite” better luck, health and well-being for families.