PETALING JAYA: After being away from home for almost two years, a lecturer is beyond excited to finally be heading home for Chinese New Year.

       “I am so thrilled to be going back finally,” said Wilfred Tan Kwang Shean, 28, who has not been back to Pahang since the first movement control order in March 2020.

       But Tan isn’t throwing caution to the wind and plans to do a self-test before returning to his hometown.

       “It is better for me to ensure that I am free of the virus to protect my family members.

       “I will also make sure that there are no big gatherings with friends and relatives, except for family members staying in the same house.”

       He said he hopes the government could provide free test kits.

       “The authorities should make sure that everyone, especially the elderly, know how to use them and also where to get them,” said Tan, who is the head of programme at a private college in Penang.

       On Sunday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the Chinese New Year standard operating procedure (SOP) would be slightly eased compared with last year as many people had received their Covid-19 vaccination.

       “Although there is the threat of the Omicron variant this year, we have more people who have been vaccinated compared with last year.

       “Last Chinese New Year, the government only allowed people to move within a certain radius for the reunion dinner, but this year we will let people go home to see their family and friends.

       “If you want to have a small gathering, no problem.

       “It’s all about taking it step-by-step and not suddenly being a free-for-all.

       “However, open houses are still not allowed.

       “We have made a lot of progress and we have to give a little freedom for Malaysians to observe their celebrations safely and carefully while adhering to the SOP,” said Khairy.

       As for content review analyst Tracy Teo, 29, she will be celebrating Chinese New Year in Sibu, Sarawak.

       “As long as I get to mark the occasion with my parents and sisters, I am more than grateful. I am based in Kuala Lumpur and could not make it home last year,” she said.

       She lauded the Sarawak government for enforcing a strict SOP for the festivities.

       “Although open houses, house-to-house visits and lion dance performances are not allowed, I believe it is better to be safe than sorry.

       “Since the Omicron variant is spreading in the country, it is better for us to celebrate on a small scale to ensure the health of everyone.

       “Many people have been travelling since the interstate travel ban was lifted and we are not sure if they will be carriers of the virus when they head home,” added Teo.

       According to guidelines by the Unit for Other Religions released on Jan 13 in Sarawak, the number of family members is limited to 50% of the house capacity, with physical distancing of one metre.

       Open houses, house-to-house visits and lion dance performances are not allowed.

       For Chinese New Year Eve, reunion dinners are allowed for immediate family members at home or in a restaurant while complying with the food sector SOP.

       Reunion dinners at home are limited to 50% of the premises’ capacity.