Keeping busy during the long weekend

KUALA LUMPUR: This four-day weekend spells “work” for some people.

For student Melissa M, 22, she said she would be going to various cafes around town, not to sip coffee and while away the time, but to pore over her books.

“Usually I would just study at the university but my friends planned to go cafe hopping while studying.

“We can use the free wi-fi there,” she said, adding that she would be trying new desserts.

The long weekend came about due to the official birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V yesterday and Awal Muharram tomorrow.

For lecturer S. Nirmala, she will be busy preparing for her sister’s wedding next week.

“Her wedding is next Wednesday. It’s a weekday for the auspicious timing that we are observing,” she explained.

This long weekend, she said, gave them the chance to carry out pre-wedding ceremonies.

“It also gives us some breathing space. We will do some last-minute shopping or preparation for her dinner next weekend before Malaysia Day,” said Nirmala, 45.

“We need to buy some last-minute stuff such as food and flowers,” she said.

Other Malaysians are more “fortunate” as they get to go on holiday.

Chi Leong, 33, a junior manager at a construction company, is going on a solo trip to Vietnam.

“This is the first time I am visiting the country. I have always wanted to go but put it off due to my busy work schedule.

“Fortunately, there was a cheap tour package I found online so I just grabbed it,” he said.

As for health enthusiast Danny Tan, 27, he said he would be hiking at various spots within the country.

“I will be going to Broga Hill and then a few other places with friends. We just need some time off to see nature.

“We have beautiful sites within the country. And it’s best to spend time with our close ones,” he said.