Ang Lai Soon: Toning down Chap Goh Mei celebration a worthwhile sacrifice for the nation
KUCHING: The Chinese community celebrating Chap Goh Mei (15th Night of the new Lunar Year) yesterday had to forego the ceremonies and some of the traditional practices to adhere to the SOP imposed by the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to curb the spread of Covid-19 virus.
Social worker Datuk Seri Ang Lai Soon said it is a sacrifice the Chinese community, associations and NGOs have to make for the their own sake and the nation.
“We must all make some personal sacrifice so that we could have near normal life in the future,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He reminded the community of the recent advice of SDMC advisor Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian on Feb 12 to take the necessary precautions in holding family dinners and celebration of the festival.
Dr Sim, who is the Minister of Local Government and Housing, warned that there might be another spike in positive cases resulting from Chap Goh Mei dinners and gatherings.
“Let us heed Dr Sim’s advice to tone down the celebration to prevent another surge of positive cases.”
Ang added that it is indeed the national duty of every citizen to do their part fighting the Covid
19 pandemic by observing the
SOP.
“Let us do our patriotic duty by not over whelming the doctors and nurses and the essential services such as the police, Armed Forces and immigration.”
Ang also called for Sarawakians to rally behind SDMC chairman Datuk Douglas Uggah, Sarawak Health director Dr Chin Zin Hing and Dr Sim as they lead the fight against the pandemic in the state.
“We will win the war if we are all united during this most challenging time.”