IPOH: They are far from being crouching tigers, hidden and ready to pounce.

       Instead, cute smiles are seen on lanterns, soft toys, red packets and just about any other Chinese New Year decor to herald in the Year of the Tiger.

       Cartoon tiger stickers are also popular.

       “The cute fluffy male and female tiger stickers in various sizes, designs and shapes are selling like hot cakes.

       “The male tiger is yellow, while the female is mostly pink,” said Chong Khiam Kui, who owns a wholesale shop here.

       These decorative stickers are meant to be pasted on doors, windows or walls.

       Chong, 47, said another favourite this year was miniature tiger soft toys.

       Besides animal-themed decorations, he said traditional red lanterns and piggy banks were also selling fast.

       Unlike last year, this year’s business has been much better.

       “Last year with the movement restriction due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our sales were slow so we depended mostly on online transactions,” he said.

       Customer Winny Chan, 24, said she was attracted to the cute tiger-themed red packets.

       “I will be getting a few different designs of the animal this year.

       “I am eager to decorate my house this year since I hardly put up any last year,” said the hairstylist.

       Another customer, CY Yeoh, 30, said he was buying stickers with the fluffy designs as his two young children would like them.

       “We look forward to decorating our house for the festive season. These designs will get them really excited,” he said.