GEORGE TOWN: For the second straight year, Sarawakians living in Penang say they will mark Malaysia Day at home and hope that the pandemic will be over soon.
Lau Hon Wee said that as the nation is set to celebrate the 58th Malaysia Day on Thursday, he has only one wish – that is for the country to emerge from the pandemic soon.
The 26-year-old recruitment consultant said he hopes every Malaysian will be responsible and play their part to help the nation win the battle against Covid-19.
“For me, it means staying put, staying in and staying safe.
“During this time of the pandemic, even for festive periods, there should not be big gatherings or celebrations,” he added.
Lau said in previous years, he would fly back to his hometown in Kuching and spend time with his family since it was a public holiday.
“The times when I did not go home, I would check out celebrations and events around Penang island with my friends.
“Sometimes we would go to parks in our Malaysia Day-themed outfits and just chill there,” he added.
This year, Lau said, they will avoid crowded places and stay in on the public holiday.
“I might order some local Sarawak food and just enjoy it at home,” he said, adding that he has not returned to Kuching for over two years.
“I miss my hometown. Hopefully, when cases go down, I can return to see my family.”
Another Sarawakian, Noor Hafizza Stawi, 38, said she too will be staying in on Malaysia Day.
“I am sure every Malaysian hopes to see the nation recover from the pandemic.
“One of the ways to achieve this is to contain the spread of the virus by staying home as much as possible,” she added.
The insurance executive said that in the past, the Sarawak community in Penang would usually gather for a barbeque outing or gathering to mark the day.
“This year, we will just stay home, communicate via social media and usher in the event virtually,” said Noor Hafizza, who rounded up a few close friends – all of them fully vaccinated – to tuck into Sarawak delights ahead of Malaysia Day at home.