PETALING JAYA: While the older generation prefers to put cash in red packets, youths and children favour ewallets.

       Housewife Cecelia Tang said she would still give out ang pow in cash this Chinese New Year to her family and friends.

       “I am not well versed with cashless platforms. It is better for me to give cash instead.

       “Giving out red packets is a traditional practice. I give them as my blessings to my loved ones,” said the 55-year-old.

       Engineer Vincent Chiong, 29, who got married last year, said he would be giving ang pow in cash.

       “Since I just got hitched last year, both my wife and I will have to give an ang pow each.

       “This will be the first year I’m giving out ang pow and I am so excited.

       “I have even bought ang pow packets printed with my surname,” he said.

       Called hong bao in Mandarin, the ang pow is given as a token of good wishes during auspicious occasions such as Chinese New Year, weddings and birthday celebrations.

       The colour red is regarded as a symbol of luck, life and happiness.

       A personal assistant who wished to be known only as Bu, 28, said she prefers to receive ang pow via an ewallet.

       “Since the pandemic, I seldom use cash when making purchases.

       “It is also better to go cashless to minimise contact these days,” she said, adding that it is more convenient and safer.

       Sales coordinator YY Tan, 28, said she also prefers ewallets.

       “It is easier and we can save the environment as well as reduce human contact.

       “With new technology, one can also leave personalised wishes before sending an ang pow through an ewallet platform,” she said.

       To reduce human contact, several banks have arranged ATMs at designated areas to dispense new notes.

       The Chinese community will usher in the Year of the Tiger on Feb 1.