Kuala Lumpur: The Chinese community across the country celebrates the arrival of Chinese New Year tomorrow with the reunion dinner tradition, honouring its deep cultural significance and joy. A Bernama check of several locations revealed that families gathered to usher in the festival.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the home of Khoo Chai Ee, 67, in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam, Selangor, was filled with laughter as his children and grandchildren came together for the reunion dinner, eagerly anticipating tomorrow’s Chinese New Year celebrations. His son, Khoo Ne Bing, 41, mentioned the special stir-fried sea cucumber dish prepared by his mother as a highlight of the gathering.
In Terengganu, Toh Ping Ping, 43, noted the reunion dinner was especially lively this year with the return of her brother, Toh Li Jie, 49, after seven years abroad. The family enjoyed traditional Chinese dishes and keropok lekor at a restaurant in Kuala Terengganu.
In Pahang, Yee Oi Lian, 87, celebrated the event by cooking for her family in Kuantan. Her granddaughter, Foo Pei Sun, 37, emphasized the importance of this tradition in fostering family spirit and connection.
In Penang, the Kee family upheld the reunion dinner tradition despite recent losses. Jordan Kee Yu Wah, 43, shared that steamed fish and steamboat were essential dishes, symbolizing prosperity and family togetherness.
In Kedah, Kong Ting Ming, 38, from Kampung Berjaya, Alor Setar, prepared halal food for a family member who had converted to Islam. She highlighted the family’s commitment to mutual respect and inclusivity.
In Perlis, Chong Siong Chuan, 48, from Kangar, chose a cafe setting for this year’s dinner, marking a change from previous years.
In Perak, Lim Ai Jie, 36, from Bandar Seri Botani, Ipoh, expressed anticipation for the reunion dinner as a rare opportunity to connect with family members from Kuala Lumpur and Johor.
In Negeri Sembilan, Kampung Baru Sikamat residents celebrated with festivities, including a lion and dragon dance, attended by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
In Melaka, Kew Li Wen, 32, from Bukit Cina, reported her family opted for a hotpot meal, emphasizing its role in strengthening family bonds.
In Sabah, Andrew Lo, 73, looked forward to reuniting with distant family members, viewing the tradition as essential for maintaining family ties.
In Sarawak, Natasha Jee, 31, highlighted the reunion dinner’s role in preserving cultural values and connecting generations.
In Johor, Muhammad Ridhuan Tew Abdullah, 38, a convert to Islam, continued to celebrate with his family, emphasizing the festival’s cultural rather than religious nature. The family ensured halal food was served for the reunion dinner.