Chap Goh Mei: Tossing oranges into rivers polluting, says association chief
Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations (SFCA) president Dato Richard Wee has advised against the traditional tossing of oranges into rivers and streams during Chap Goh Mei, which is observed today.
He acknowledged that it had been practised before as a public programme, but was eventually stopped in view of evidence that this had caused pollution in Sarawak River.
“It’s a traditional practice – by tossing the oranges, one makes a wish for the year and hopes it would come true. Many years ago, some organisations did hold such event at Sarawak River, but it was discontinued as it was considered to be polluting the river.
“People had to arrange for cleaning-up.
“I have not been informed of any such event being held in recent years.
“If there is any, it would be done by individuals privately,” he said when contacted.
According to old Chinese belief, those yet to have a partner would gather by the river or lake to throw oranges, in the hope of meeting a match on the night of Chap Goh Mei.
Asked if the tradition could be continued as a public event, Wee said it could be considered, with the condition that organisers must engage the authorities for clean-up works aerwards.
He disagreed that the tradition was meant only for those wishing to be paired with a partner because it could also be for other well-meaning wishes.
“Being single is not an issue, it can be for different wishes too,” he added.
Meanwhile Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng pointed out that the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) did not incorporate any tossing of oranges as a programme during its Chap Goh Mei Music Concert event, to be staged at the MBKS Floating Stage tonight.