Happy Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day | Year of Tiger

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my Chinese blog readers a Prosperous Chinese New Year which would be celebrate in two weeks from now.

This year Chinese New Year fall on February 14th 2010 also the  Valentine’s Day which make it very special.

2010 is the Year of the Tiger.

May this year of Tiger bring you lots of  fortune, wisdom and your wishes and hopes come true in this year.

All the best in the year – 2010!

CNY-Tiger

My Favorite Chinese New Year Song (I LOVE it so much )

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鄧麗君 Teresa Teng 新年好 Good New Year

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Astro Chinese New Year 2009 Song: Qing Zhu

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Chinese New Year Astro Song 2010

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CNY Best Astro Song 2010  – Happy New Year In Ipoh

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Happy Chinese New Year  and Kong Hee Fatt Choy!

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大日子woohoo !戏院版预告片_热辣出炉!

本地圈制作,马来西亚首部100%本地制作贺岁片!

Malaysia’s First Ever Heartwarming Chinese New Year Movie!

Auntie, SEJUK~~~NYA  😀

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45 Responses to “Happy Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day | Year of Tiger”

  1. Ong launches CNY carnival in Malacca

    MALACCA: More than 10,000 people gathered along Jalan Kubu and Jonker Walk here for the launching of the state’s month-long Chinese New Year carnival by MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.

    The ceremony on Saturday night was made more auspicious with Ong given the honour of inscribing the Chinese character Wang – meaning king – onto the frame of the largest lion head in the country to mark the start of festivities here.

    During his speech, Ong said such events were a reflection of the Malaysian culture, in which all races should take pride.

    “The Chinese New Year Carnival here has not only become a world-famous tourist attraction but also an event in which locals can take pride,” he said, adding that festivities were held in the true spirit of 1Malaysia.

    Speaking to reporters later, Ong gave his assurance to the people in Malacca that he would look into how the state could benefit from the opening of the Melaka International Airport on Feb 4.

    Ong, who is also Transport Minister, said he would look into several proposals forwarded by state MCA leaders on the use of the airport.

    “This is my assurance, that whenever I go to the ground to be with the people, I do not merely take note of the feedback I receive as MCA president or as Transport Minister but act on them as soon as possible,” he said.

    Earlier, Ong launched the ceremony by switching on the lights attached to the lion’s head, which measures 13.2m in length and 5.2m in height.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/1/nation/5585468&sec=nation

  2. Housewife’s baking hobby now a profitable venture this CNY

    GEORGE TOWN: What has started out to be a hobby for grandmother Cheng Au Get to while the time away has turned out to be a profitable venture this Chinese New Year.

    Cheng, 64, said she had learnt to make cookies from her friends as a hobby more than a decade ago.

    “When friends and family started to compliment how good my cookies tasted, someone suggested that I make more for sales.

    “That’s how it started,” she said, adding that she began selling her cookies a few years ago.

    The housewife now makes 10 types of cookies for Chinese New Year but her best sellers remain the perennial favourites kuih kapit, ribbon cookies, bee’s nest, kuih bangkit and peanut cookies.

    Cheng said making the cookies not only kept her occupied but that the earnings were enough even for her to go travelling with her children.

    “Money from the sales go into packing the ang pows for the children as well as donations to some charitable organisations.

    “If I still have some left over, they will be my pocket money to go travelling with my children,” she said.

    Cheng said she would usually start baking her cookies about a month before the festival.

    “I would wake up at seven and after having my breakfast, I will start baking until well into the evening,” she said.

    Cheng said although the price of sugar had increased this year, she would not be raising the price of her cookies. “I’m maintaining the price at RM12 to RM18 depending on the container size. My customers told me they preferred their cookies to be less sweet so there’s no point for me to increase the price.

    “I also make kuih bakul with the help of some family members. However, I will only decide on their price once I start making them as the price for glutinous rice has gone up,” she said.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/1/nation/5570461&sec=nation

  3. Five-day break and it’s back to camp for NS trainees

    MALACCA: There will be no extension to the five-day break given to national service trainees celebrating Chinese New Year.

    NS Training Department director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil said it decided to turn down the requests from some 6,000 trainees to extend their holidays because the number of days off from Feb 12 to 16 was “sufficient”.

    “So far, we have received more than 6,000 applications from trainees wishing to extend their holiday beyond the five-day break.

    “In principle, it (the application) is not allowed,” he told reporters after attending a social session with parents of NS trainees at Hutan Rekreasi training camp in Ayer Keroh here yesterday.

    He said the decision was taken because trainees would begin their holiday on Feb 12 – a day before the traditional new year’s eve family reunion dinner.

    “This allows the trainees ample time to go home for their celebration and then return to camp for several key programmes which will begin right after the break.

    “They will have to undergo community service programmes, personal finance and credit management training, and art and cultural appreciation,” he said.

    Last year, trainees celebrating Chinese New Year were given a four-day break while those in 2008 received a six-day holiday.

    Abdul Hadi also said some 3,000 trainees were exempted from having to undergo their three-month stint due to health reasons.

    He said the exemptions were given after the trainees were found unfit to carry on with training by the department’s medical panel.

    Abdul Hadi said starting this year, all training camps had implemented the national service healthy eating standard, as approved by the Health Ministry, which would ensure that trainees receive an intake of between 2,500 to 2,600 calories a day during their stay.

    There are currently some 31,000 trainees at 79 camps throughout the country.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/1/nation/5587203&sec=nation

  4. Dilemma over double celebration

    As Chinese New Year this year falls on Valentine’s Day, many young people may have to forgo candlelight dinners and balik kampung separately. Farmers and florists too may be adversely affected by the double celebration.

    FAMILY or romance – that is the “dilemma” many Chinese dating couples are facing this year as Valentine’s Day falls on the first day of Chinese New Year.

    Candlelight dinners may be quite impossible especially for the love birds who have to balik kampung separately to celebrate the Year of the Tiger and even delivering a bouquet of roses may be difficult or more expensive as florists and delivery men take their festive holidays.

    For married couples who tied the knot on Valentine’s Day, it is going to be a double celebration – Chinese New Year and the wedding anniversary.

    Unfortunately, those who plan to register their marriage on that auspicious day may face some difficulty: traditionally, the first day of Chinese New Year is an auspicious day, but not for weddings.

    Sinologist Lai Kuan Fook says the first day of Chinese New Year is for reunions and not a day to get married. For sure, your family may join you in the celebration but your close friends will certainly be miles away in their hometown for the reunion dinner.

    A check with the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Hua Zong) and the Klang Hokkien Association shows that the two will not be registering marriages for Chinese couples this Valentine’s Day. The date has been a popular choice in the past.

    However, the renowned Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur will break tradition and remain open on the first day of Chinese New Year to register marriages.

    “This is due to the many requests from members of the public,” a staff handling the registration of marriage explains. So far, about 30 couples have signed up.

    The number, however, is small compared to last year’s where 236 couples signed their wedding papers on Valentine’s Day.

    The Tokong Chee Teong Beow at Jalan Tun Perak in Malacca will also be open on the first day of Chinese New Year to allow couples to register their marriage on Feb 14.

    “This is to fulfil the requests of many who want to register on Valentine’s Day. We will have to sacrifice our day off to do the registration,” says Liew, an assistant. However, they will only do the registration and not the ceremony, she adds.

    “It is still all right to do the registration as it is not a proper wedding ceremony without the tea-offering ritual and wedding dinner.”

    A check with florists and farmers shows that they may have to be content with lower revenue this year as the two seasons when they normally make good money – Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day – are now merged into one.

    Flowers for Chinese New Year and those for lovers would have to be sold at the same time and this does not bode well for business.

    Yong Leong Meng, the executive secretary of Cameron Highlands Flori-Culturalist Association, predicts a 40% drop in revenue this year due to the 2-in-1 celebration as orders for both occasions have started to come in.

    Farmers will have to cope with orders for roses for Valentine’s Day as well as orders for Chinese New Year, such as chrysanthemum, gladiolus and lilium.

    “Roses are likely to be even more expensive than in the previous year,” he says.

    The ex-farm price for a dozen roses on a normal day is RM6 but it can go up to RM25 during the Valentine’s Day season.

    Yong says it may hit RM30 this year, or even more.

    Annie Chua from Alice Florist in Malacca says they will still offer delivery service and the shop will remain open on the first day of Chinese New Year, which is unprecedented. After all, Valentine’s Day is celebrated by all races and not only the Chinese.

    For the locals, it is still possible to receive a bouquet of flowers on that romantic day.

    “The only thing is that we will have to make sure the recipient is present at the address stated for delivery,” Chua says.

    For those living in Kuala Lumpur, this would be quite impossible as most people would have left the city either to celebrate the new year in their hometowns or for holidays elsewhere.

    The Year of the Tiger symbolises vibrancy, according to Lai. But some Chinese do not think it is a good year as the first day will fall after the start of Spring on Feb 4, which is known as lichun in the Chinese calendar. To them, the Year of the Tiger will be without lichun, which marks the start of spring when farmers plant the seeds.

    With that in mind, many Chinese couples are rushing to have their wedding receptions before the Year of the Tiger starts.

    But according to Angus Kong, a feng shui and I-Ching scholar, “People planning their wedding date should just look at their time and date of birth and they should be able to find a good day to get married even in the Year of the Tiger.’’

    fr:thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/1/10/columnists/yumcha/5404626&sec=Yum Cha

  5. Malls in the Klang Valley all dressed up to welcome the Year of the Tiger

    Floral theme: Mid Valley Megamall transformed into a blossoming lotus garden.

    THE association of the colour red with Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, is said to have been brought about by the mythical monster Nian.

    It is believed that the monster, which normally resided deep in the mountains, would attack the people every 365 days.

    However, the ferocious beast had one big weakness — it feared the colour red.

    Hence, the people came up with the brilliant idea of decking their homes with red decorations, and firing red fire crackers, to keep the monster at bay.

    It was a success and from then on, people celebrated the victory as guo nian, or surviving the Nian.

    Red lanterns, red spring scrolls, red drapes and assorted red ornaments are widely used to adorn houses during the Chinese New Year.

    Even as the shopping malls in town get creative with their decorations, red remains the predominant colour to usher in joy, luck and prosperity.

    Mid Valley Megamall

    The centre court of Mid Valley Megamall has been fashioned into a blossoming lotus garden, complete with an intricate seven-tier pagoda and scholar rocks.

    Gigantic red dragonflies hover above the enormous red lotus leaves and lotus flowers in full bloom, which make a beautiful backdrop for photographs.

    For a taste of the rich Chinese culture, the mall has enlisted a group of skilful artisans from China to showcase their dexterity at the Spring Bazaar.

    Among the art demonstrations are snuff bottle inner painting, wood-house carving, jade-carving, knotting art, paper-cutting, making of dough figurines, rainbow calligraphy, seal- engraving, portrait-drawing and even fortune-telling.

    For the list of events that would staged until Feb 21, visit midvalley.com or call 03-2938 3333.

    KL Sogo

    KL Sogo is transformed into a land of vibrant red and gold this Chinese New Year.

    The lanterns in red and yellow hues add to the festive atmosphere, while the long, translucent drapes hanging from high up unroll auspicious blessings for the Lunar New Year.

    Flowers and flora motifs are heavily used in this year’s decoration, with rich big blooms in red and purple embellishing the shopping mall.

    Beautiful plum blossom trees have also been placed strategically to complement the festivity.

    For a list of Chinese New Year promo­tions, visit klsogo.com.my.

    Sunway Giza

    The newly-opened lifestyle neighbourhood mall in Kota Damansara is celebrating its first ever festival with a mini-outdoor bazaar offering Chinese New Year snacks, decorations and apparel.

    The covered boulevard walkway is equipped with 12 environment-friendly electrical fans and is lit up with LEDs at night.

    This fits aptly with the green theme advocated by Selangor Tourism, Consumer and Environment Committee chairman Elizabeth Wong, who launched the celebration recently.

    “Red is associated with Chinese New Year but let’s remember to go green as we celebrate the festival,” she had said.

    Keeping the less privileged in mind, the mall had also invited 30 children and old folks from the Lovely Nursing Home in Kelana Jaya to have fun together at the launch.

    Over at the concourse area, tall stalks of pussywillow, pink and orange oval lanterns, and plum blossom lend a cheery festive touch to the mall.

    Among the “roaring activities” that will be staged on weekends are Sichuan face-changing, Shanghai Trio and Chinese Acrobatic performances.

    Suria KLCC

    The special occasion of Lunar New Year coinciding with Valentine’s Day has prompted Suria KLCC to sprinkle romantic messages on its Chinese New Year decorations.

    Its centre court is bedecked with eye-catching blooms of peony silk balls, as peonies are an omen of good fortune and happy marriage.

    The bunches of red string were inspired by the Chinese folklore that the Chinese version of Cupid, Yue Lao, uses red strings to bind couples who are destined to be soulmates for eternity.

    To hype up the festive mood, the mall has lined up an acrobatic lion dance performance, face-changing show, cultural dances, musical acts and martial arts performances for shoppers.

    For details, visit suriaklcc.com.my

    Sungei Wang Plaza

    With the theme “Spring time Rhapsody”, Sungei Wang Plaza ushers in the Lunar New Year with replicas of tiger- and Chinese painting-inspired decorations.

    As you enter the main entrance, you will see two beautifully crafted pavilions, each enclosed with red cloth draped across its rock-like structure. Rock formations and handmade pine trees are placed inside each enclosure to enrich the look.

    The concourse level stage is painted in yellow, symbolising prosperity and wealth. Beautifully handcrafted Chinese pine tress are placed on stage as symbols of strength and longevity.

    Life-like, life-size replicas of tigers sit handsomely on the rock platforms, which are created and positioned strategically to depict an epic Chinese wilderness landscape. Shoppers will be able to buy festive-related goods from the beautifully decorated kiosks such as silk products, paper-cutting, silk embroidery, calligraphy and painting, rainbow calligraphy, Chinese-knotting, tea, teaware, as well as take part in a fortune-telling session.

    For more information, call the information counter at 03-21486109 or visit sungeiwang.com

    South City Plaza

    Several oriental ornaments are used to create the austere yet pleasant decoration at the centre court of South City Plaza.

    The giant folding fans that dominate the stage are accompanied by the ubiquitous red drapes and red lanterns, which add a touch of auspiciousness.

    White cages, encircled by exquisite plum blossom, on the other hand, dangle from the ceiling.

    The God of Prosperity will be giving out sweets to shoppers on Feb 7 and Feb 21 for a sweet start to the brand new lunar year.

    A Chinese New Year is incomplete without the uplifting and dynamic Lion Dance, and shoppers will get to enjoy the performances on Feb 7, 20 and 23, as well as a Chinese eight-drum performance on Feb 28.

    fr:starproperty.my/PropertyScene/TheStarOnlineHighlightBox/2061/0/0

  6. Firefly adds flights for CNY

    KUALA LUMPUR: Budget airline Firefly is offering extra flights on the Subang-Alor Setar-Subang and the Singapore-Ipoh-Singapore routes to meet the anticipated higher demand during the Chinese New Year holidays.

    “The extra flights during Chinese New Year cover the Singapore-Ipoh route on Feb 9, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17 and 21 and the Subang-Alor Setar route on Feb 13,” its marketing and communications head Angelina Fernandez said in a statement Monday.

    The Singapore-Ipoh-Singapore extra flights have been on sale since October last year.

    Details can be obtained from fireflyz.com.my or at all Firefly airport and city ticketing offices and Malaysia Airlines ticketing offices.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/1/nation/20100201170458&sec=nation

  7. Happy Chinese New Year Alan.

  8. Thanks Azwan 😀

  9. The ‘Tiger’ is not stopping some from marrying

    PETALING JAYA: There is a saying that people do not like getting married in the Year of the Tiger.

    However, judging from bookings at several popular marriage registrars in the Klang Valley, there has not been a slow down in the number of people wanting to tie the knot.

    “The younger generations do not mind getting married in the Year of the Tiger,” said Chow Soo Sin, the registrar at the Thean Hou Temple.

    She said the temple was trying to promote the “good side” of the year to the people and that it was still a good year to get hitched.

    “People often perceive the Tiger Year as a bad year to get married but it is really not a bad year for nuptials,” she added.

    Klang Hokkien Association exe­cu­­­tive secretary John Chan said the association was still receiving bookings from couples.

    “We have bookings until April, and I believe there will be more in the months to come,” he said, adding that it was still too early to say if people were postponing their marriage this year.

    A spokesman for the Maha Vihara Temple agreed with Chan, saying that it was too early to say if the number of bookings from couples had decreased.

    “Although this is the Year of the Tiger, we are expecting 100 couples to register their marriage on ‘10-10-10’,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Kenny Hoo who does research on geomancy said there were two main reasons why people believed that this was not a popular year to get married.

    “Many perceive the tiger as representing anger, conflict and argument — which makes it a bad year to get married because they believe it can affect their marriage.

    “The start of spring usually coincides with the first day of Chinese New Year but this year, it is not so.

    “It is considered not so auspicious,” Hoo said, adding that as long as couples chose the right date, it was still an appropriate year.

    He also said the Year of the Tiger was suitable for starting a new business, moving to a new house or office and conducting renovations.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/2/nation/5566779&sec=nation

  10. Special music video for CNY

    CARLSBERG Malaysia has added a special treat to its Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations this year to express appreciation to its loyal consumers by presenting a music video in DVD format titled Carlsberg “Fook” (Prosperity) CNY Album.

    Highly regarded for its long-term Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment towards the Chinese community, Carlsberg Malaysia also involved artistes from its CSR project Top Ten Charity Campaign, in the DVD production.

    This is an extension of the Group’s commitment to provide an avenue for the talented Malaysian singers to gain better exposure and promote their talents in the entertainment industry.

    Participating artistes in the album comprises Christopher Lay, Amy Wang, Stella Chung, Aric Ho, Lim TP and a girl group called “YaTou”.

    The 30-minute CNY album contains five tracks.

    Complementing the music video of the new Carlsberg CNY song is the world champion lion dance troupe – Malaysia Khuan Loke Dragon & Lion Dance Association which performed a high pole lion dance performance.

    The lion dance troupe has been sponsored by Carlsberg Malaysia for the past 10 years.

    At the launch of the album held at the Sungai Wang Plaza in KL recently, Carlsberg Malaysia’s executive director Datuk Chin Voon Loong said, “We are happy to share the Carlsberg “Fook” DVD album with the Chinese community when they celebrate the New Year with their loved ones. The Carlsberg Malaysia Group also wishes all Malaysians abundance in prosperity for this New Year.”

    Carlsberg Malaysia has been funding the Top Ten Charity Campaign since 1987, which has raised RM339mil over 22 years that benefited more than 560 Chinese schools.

    With its long-term commitment and significant school-building funds raised, the Top Ten Charity Campaign achieved two awards in the Malaysia Book of Records i.e. the ‘Longest Running Chinese Charity Show’ and the ‘Highest Funds Raised through Chinese Charity Shows’.

    “The success of the Top Ten Charity Campaign and the promising talent of the local artistes inspired us to extend the scope of our commitment and we hope that other organisations will also come forward to contribute to the community for the betterment of society,” Chin added.

    Chin also thanked the generous contributors, fund raisers, artistes and the media partners for their dedication in sharing the same CSR vision and support of the Top Ten Charity Campaign.

    This Carlsberg “Fook” DVD album will be promoted by the nine artistes together with two Carlsberg “Fook” Prosperity Gods who will make special appearances at some of the selected hypermarkets on Jan 30, 31 and Feb 5, to spread good wishes to consumers and autograph signing on posters and albums.

    The timetable of the activation can be obtained from toptencharity.com.my/CNYALBUM

    The Carlsberg “Fook” DVD album is an exclusive promotional premium that will be given *free (while stocks last) to consumers for every purchase of two cartons and above (either with 24 or 28 cans) of Carlsberg, Carlsberg Gold and Danish Royal Stout at selected hypermarkets and supermarkets in Peninsular Malaysia. It is also available as promotional items at some refreshment outlets.

    fr:thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/1/29/central/5550221&sec=central

  11. Mandarin oranges a hit with all

    KUALA LUMPUR: Mandarin oranges – a must-have item during Chinese New Year – are proving to be popular with all Malaysians.

    However, while those celebrating the Year of the Tiger have yet to make their purchases, non-Chinese are quickly snapping up boxes of the fruit.

    Kuala Lumpur Fruits Wholesale Association chairman Tai Kong Lin said the main purchasers of the oranges so far were the non-Chinese.

    “It is popular among the Malays. Almost every day, lorries from the east coast are coming here and carting away between 500 and 1,000 boxes of oranges.

    “Sales among Chinese consumers are only picking up now, with less than two weeks to go before the new year,” he said at the Selayang Wholesale Market here recently.

    Tai said he expected the Chinese to only start buying mandarin oranges in bulk when they receive their salaries and bonuses.

    He added that consumers’ preferences for the oranges had also changed over the years.

    He pointed out that while oranges in wooden crates imported from Shantou in China – also known as Teochew oranges – used to be popular, consumers prefer the variety from Fujian province now.

    He said this was because without refrigerated containers then, only fruits from Shantou were imported as they could last for days.

    “People now live in high-rise buildings and find it a hassle to carry wooden crates up the stairs.

    “Unlike boxes, it is also more difficult to dispose the wooden crates,” Tai added.

    He said oranges packed in boxes – known as lokam or ponkam – were juicier, although they did not last as long as fruits from Shantou.

    “Teochew oranges are still sought by the Chinese in new villages in Pahang, Negri Sembilan and Perak.”

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/2/nation/5557758&sec=nation

  12. CNY joy through cookies

    GEORGE TOWN: Despite rising costs, some cookie and biscuit makers here are maintaining their prices.

    Housewife Tan Ah Heok said she was maintaining the price of her Chinese New Year cookies and biscuits because it was more important to keep her customers happy.

    “Most of them have supported me over the years. I can still afford to absorb the additional costs although my profit will be lower.

    “I just want everyone to enjoy the festive season,” she said, while making peanut biscuits and almond cookies at her house in Lengkok Burma here recently.

    Tan, 51, said she had to pay RM110 for 40kg of sugar which cost RM75 last year.

    She added that the price of peanuts had also gone up from RM3.80 to RM5 per kilo this year.

    “Luckily, I do not have to pay extra for flour which is a controlled item,” said Tan, who learnt the trade from her mother-in-law some 20 years ago.

    Baking biscuits and cookies is a family affair for her.

    She spends almost 12 hours daily baking biscuits and cookies, with the help of her husband Ch’ng Cheng Hoe, 53, and her daughters, Ai Ni, 16 and Ai Ming, 26.

    Tan’s sister-in-law Koay Chooi Lean, 64, also helps out with arranging and baking.

    “It is a norm for all of us who have been doing this for more than 10 years.

    “Everyone has a role to play, from dough mixing, lining of oil paper on trays, to glazing the peanut biscuits with egg yolk. I am the supervisor.

    “Although the hectic schedule lasts for only about a month, all of us are excited knowing that the Chinese New Year is approaching,” Tan said.

    Tan has a stall at the Anson Road market.

    Her biscuits and cookies are priced between RM12 and RM16 depending on the container size.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/3/nation/5591450&sec=nation

  13. Ceiling prices fixed for 11 food items

    PUTRAJAYA: Eleven food items, including pork and pork belly, will be listed as controlled items during the coming Chinese New Year.

    Placing foodstuff under price control is done for every festive occasion and the ceiling prices for these items have been fixed for 12 days between Feb 10 and Feb 21.

    The ceiling price for pork belly has been fixed at RM20 per kilo except for Sarawak and Sabah where it will be sold for RM16 per kilo.

    The maximum price for pork (lean meat and fat) is fixed at RM14 per kilo, except for Sarawak where it will be RM10 per kilo, and Sabah where it will be RM20 per kilo.

    Other items that are included in the price control list are live, standard and super chicken, grades A, B and C eggs, round cabbage (except for Beijing cabbage), white pomfret and large white prawns.

    Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the prices for pork and pork belly were fixed following discussions with breeders, retailers and wholesalers.

    “The prices are agreed upon by all parties and everyone has given their word to stick to them.

    “There are also assurances of sufficient supply of meat as the Veterinary Services Department has relaxed import conditions to meet festive demand,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

    Ismail Sabri said that Chinese “Rakan Pengguna” would be asked to help monitor the prices of pork and pork belly to ensure retailers keep to their end of the bargain.

    “Since most of the enforcement officers are Muslims and have little knowledge of the meat, we are hoping that consumers be our eyes on the ground,” he said.

    He added that Deputy Minister Datuk Tan Lian Hoe would also be monitoring pork prices.

    “Our officers will be at hand to monitor prices of other goods,” he said.

    Ismail Sabri said local beef and imported buffalo meat would be taken off the control items list as the authorities felt it was “less relevant for the Chinese New Year celebrations”.

    He reminded traders that controlled items must be labelled with pink tags.

    Errant traders can be fined up to RM15,000 or jailed two years under the Price Control Act 1946 or be slapped with compound up to RM7,500.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/4/nation/5607024&sec=nation

  14. Bargains galore at the hypermarkets

    CHINESE New Year, one of Malaysia’s biggest festivals, is returning, and people are out shopping once more.

    For the upcoming Year of the Tiger, many outlets and businesses are pitching competitive offers, and some of the best buys are found at the major hypermarkets.

    At Giant, the Chinese New Year promotions include a variety of goodies, such the traditional gold cakes, mandarin oranges, dried mushrooms, abalone and a whole lot of foodstuff related to the season.

    The small Mandarin oranges go for RM7.88 for a 4kg box, while the gold cakes are priced between RM1.29 and RM2.88 each, depending on the size.

    There are also very affordable home decorations depicting the festivity, ranging from wall hangings and cards to plum blossom and more.

    Kit Aquino, 55, is one customer who looks out for great promotions in the advertisements that are published in the newspapers.

    With a Giant advertisement clipping from The Star in her hand, she was looking through a shelf of steel wok at the Kota Damansara Giant hypermarket when the StarMetro team spotted her on Saturday.

    “When you make purchases of more than RM100, you get to buy a steel wok for just RM68.88. Its normal price is RM149.90,” she said.

    “We have to budget during the festive season and promotions like this one are great savers,” said the event manager, who lives in Bandar Sri Damansara.

    For the season, Giant is also giving out The Little Book of Savings with discount coupons worth RM1,188 with purchases above RM100.

    Meanwhile, Kota Damansara Giant hypermarket general manager Benadict George said another hot seller was the Chinese arrowheads.

    “Since you only get them during Chinese New Year, many people buy them by the kilos. It’s a good snack. Simply slice them thinly and then deep-fry.

    “The thinner the slices are, the crunchier they become after frying,” George said.

    The arrowheads are sold for RM1.98 per kg.

    George added that the hypermarket expected more customers to be doing last-minute shopping as the festivity neared.

    “It’s common for people to shop at the last minute as there may be other promotions then,” he explained.

    Over at the Tesco hypermarket in Mutiara Damansara, the Chinese New Year (CNY) promotions are a real treat for all customers.

    Special promotional items range from household items, home decor, seasonal items and clothes to special festive hampers.

    The hampers at Tesco are specially packed with healthy products, featuring essence of chicken, ginseng and bird’s nest.

    In keeping with tradition, rice packed in hampers in the shape of gold ingots is also available.

    The promotional isle at Tesco features basic household and must-have seasonal items, such as drinks, rice, oil and, of course, mandarin oranges.

    Meanwhile, the Season Isle offers home decor, pillows, tiger soft toys, lanterns, CNY decorative items and potted calamansi plants.

    Parents seeking to buy traditional CNY attire for their children need look no further than the hypermarket, which stocks a range of cute apparel.

    Shinn Leow, 37, from Bandar Utama, he went to Tesco to buy groceries.

    He said that items like canned food, coffee, rice, oil, oyster sauce and raw food were among the family’s shopping list.

    “On the eve of the Chinese New Year, we have a family reunion dinner, which is a must.

    “Since everyone is so busy throughout the year, this is the time when we gather to share the happenings,” he said.

    Yein Ping, 30, from Damansara, was busy shopping for bottles to pack festive cookies.

    She makes the cookies for family as well as for friends who place orders for them.

    “For the Chinese New Year, I usually make pineapple tarts as well as peanut butter, butter and chocolate cookies.

    “The recipes are my own and it takes about two to three weeks to fill the orders,” she said, adding that they were made fresh to order.

    fr:thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/2/4/central/5584447&sec=central

  15. Sparrow flower for the new year

    THOSE who need extra luck for Chinese New Year can buy a pot of fa cai niao (prosperous sparrow flower).

    The plant, scientifically known as Pedi-lanthus, looks similar to Zamioculca or jing qian shu (money tree).

    It has pinkish leaves bearing green fruits shaped like cute little sparrows.

    The plant is said to have ‘revived’ the business of a man whose business was so bad that he had considered closing down for good.

    His business improved shortly after he bought the fa cai niao.

    Plant seller Goh Peng Yau, 60, operates a stall at the Pulau Tikus market in Penang.

    He said he had already sold about 50 pots at RM50 each, adding that he had since replenished his stock which came from Indonesia.

    “Besides the fa cai niao, other favourites for Chinese New Year are the Kalanchoe or wan zi qian hong (million purple thousand red), Solanum (Christmas cherry), chrysanthemums and multi-tiered bamboo,” he said.

    fr:thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/1/30/north/5552866&sec=North

  16. No more tickets available out of the city before CNY

    WHETHER by air, rail or road, all tickets out of the city for Feb 12 and Feb 13 have been sold out.

    At the Puduraya bus station, however, only one counter had a notice informing buyers of this.

    With just 10 days to go before the Chinese New Year, it is learnt that bus tickets are still available for the other dates but sales have been slow.

    A visit to Puduraya showed that there was no rush for tickets as those who had planned long holidays had already purchased their tickets a month earlier.

    A ticket counter clerk who declined to be named said that ticket sales for other days have been slow over the past two weeks as the preferred travel dates were Feb 12 and 13.

    “It has been the same scenario for the past two years,” the clerk said.

    Most bus companies reported that tickets to Ipoh and beyond in the north and Malacca and beyond in the south had been sold out.

    Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) also said that tickets for the Kuala Lumpur-Tanjong Pagar, Kuala Lumpur-Padang Besar and the Kuala Lumpur-Tumpat routes for travel between Feb 11 and 13 had also been sold out a month ago.

    “Some 40,000 tickets have been sold for all three routes. However, tickets on all the three routes are still available after the CNY festivities,” KTMB acting senior manager (corporate communications) Mohd Fazil Ismail said.

    He said the counters were opened for booking two weeks before CNY and KTM may consider adding two extra coaches on all the three routes but this would only be known a day before Feb 13.

    “If KTMB decides to add the extra coaches, the public would be informed via the media. However, it is only a consideration and those planning to travel should look out for other options as well,” Mohd Fazil explained.

    He said KTM would consider adding an economy class coach which can carry 74 passengers and a second class coach with 60 passengers.

    Low-cost carrier AirAsia is launching extra flights to various destinations to meet the additional travel demands.

    In a statement, AirAsia regional head-commercial Kathleen Tan said CNY was the perfect time to add extra flight frequencies for those rushing home for the reunion dinner.

    “This Lunar Year happens to fall on Valentine’s Day so couples have another excuse to hop on the plane and go on their romantic escapades at low fares.

    “Thus, due to the high load and strong demand, AirAsia has added extra flights to cope with the overwhelming response,” Tan added.

    The extra flights are applicable between Feb 9 and 21 and will cater to popular routes which include Kuala Lumpur-Penang, Kuala Lumpur-Singapore, Kuala Lumpur Sibu, Kuala Lumpur Kuching, Kuching-Sibu, Singapore-Kuching, Kuala Lumpur-Johor and Johor Bharu-Sibu.

    Tan said travellers can follow AirAsia on Twitter, Facebook and AirAsia’s blog where real time updates and the latest promotions are available and travellers can also find details on flight times and bookings by visiting airasia.com or mobile.airasia.com.

    Meanwhile, national carrier Malaysia Airlines said their tickets for CNY had been open for sale since October last year.

    “While most of the domestic flights are sold out, we have put in extra flights to cater to the demand on popular routes,” Malaysia Airlines Senior General Manager (Network & Revenue Management) Dr Amin Khan said.

    Dr Amin said that in terms of international flights, destinations like Hong Kong, Melbourne and Beijing were also registering high loads due to the long holidays.

    fr:thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/2/4/central/5605590&sec=central

  17. CNY carnival at hill-top resort

    FROM Feb 13 to Feb 28, usher in the Year of the Tiger at The Fun City Above The Clouds – Resorts World Genting, as the resort celebrates the joyous festivity in a big way.

    For a start, there will be a colourful fireworks display at 11.45pm on the eve of Chinese New Year at the Maxims Genting Car Park.

    Chinese New Year will not be complete without a vibrant Lion Dance performance and Resorts World Genting is stepping it up a notch by inviting the 14th Malaysia Lion Dance Championship Winner, the world renowned Team Kung Seng Keng Lion & Dragon Dance Troupe, for the Resort Wide Lion Dance Parade.

    The not-to-be-missed parade is on Feb 15 from 8.30am to 5pm starting from Maxims Genting Hotel lobby to First World Hotel Lobby.

    There is also the spectacular Lion Dance stunts on high stilts which will be held at 2pm at Maxims Genting Hotel Lobby and at 5.30pm at First World Hotel Lobby.

    One of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature will be brought to life at Resorts World Genting Arena of Stars. Catch Journey to the West Variety Show, produced by a famous dance and art troupe from China. The art troupe has participated in the Beijing Olympics Opening Performance in 2009 and CCTV Chinese New Year Night.

    The stunning and entertaining family show starts from the first to the seventh day of Chinese New Year from Feb 14 to Feb 20 at 3pm.

    Tickets are priced at RM20 and RM38 while senior citizens and children’s tickets are priced at RM10 and RM28.

    Bookings can be made at selected Genting OneHub Sales office. Please call 03-2718 1118 for details. Alternatively, tickets are also available at the Box Office in Maxims Genting Hotel, The Pavilion and Arena of Stars.

    Theme Park Wrist Band Holders and customers who produce Genting’s F&B outlets receipts of RM50 and above from Coffee Terrace, Lao Di Fang, Bakery, Hou Mei, Hainan Kitchen and First World Café are also entitled to a special ticket rate of RM10 and RM28. Terms and conditions apply.

    Also, during the same period between Feb 14 and Feb 20, there will be a Chinese New Year Bazaar at the lobby of Arena of Stars. The bazaar is from 11am to 7pm.

    Visitors can look forward to a variety of Chinese New Year products and delicious delicacies at this carnival.

    As Chinese New Year Eve dinner gathering is one of the most important family occasions of the year, why not give your family a treat to “Nancy Sit Ka Yin & Sandra Xin Dou Lai Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner & Concert” on Feb 13 at Genting International Convention Centre from 6pm onwards.

    Tickets are priced at RM280, RM380, RM480 and RM580. Each ticket is inclusive of an eight-course meal and concert. Genting WorldCard members can enjoy a 10% discount via WorldCard Points or cash for all price scales.

    Concert starts at 6pm at Genting International Convention Centre. For details, call 03-2718 1189.

    There will also be a variety of fun activities at the Merdeka Stage, Genting Outdoor Theme Park. Apart from the meet and greet Choy San Yeh or Prosperity God and the Genting Theme Park’s very own adorable mascots – Tabby & Friends, there will be dragon and lion dance performances, Chinese arts and craft workshops, children’s lion dance fun challenge, Wall’s Cornetto Show Your Love carnival and many more fun games and activities.

    Besides that, have a great Valentine’s Day out at Genting Theme Park and win fabulous prizes for yourself and your loved ones.

    That’s not all as Genting Theme Park will present Spring Rewards during this holiday. With purchase of every three new Genting Theme Park Annual Passport or renewal, you are entitled for a lucky ang pao draw.

    Meanwhile, be enthralled by the brilliant display of Chinese culture and art at the Chin Swee Caves Temple as there is a carnival planned.

    Watch the Giant Lantern Display from Feb 14 to Feb 28, from 7.30pm to midnight and Chinese New Year performances on Feb 14 to Feb 21, Feb 27 and 28. There are also lots of delicious treats at the Merchandise and Food Bazaar. Join in the fun, play games and stand a chance to win fabulous prizes!

    To celebrate Chin Swee Deity’s birthday on the sixth day of Chinese New Year which falls on Feb 19, Chin Swee Caves Temple will be open for 24 hours from Feb 18.

    If you are planning to stay a night, why not take up the Caves Retreat Package priced from RM125nett per package for two persons inclusive of one night stay, one vegetarian set breakfast and a vegetarian set dinner at Chin Swee Vegetarian Restaurant. This package is available till Dec 31. For enquiries, log on to rwgenting.com or call 03-6101 1118.

    fr:thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/2/4/central/5589790&sec=central

  18. Use public transport to airport, passengers urged

    KUALA LUMPUR: For this Chinese New Year, consider using public transport instead of driving to the airport, advised Road Safety Depart­ment deputy director-general Sim Say Kiong.

    “The number of vehicles on the road doubles during festive seasons and poses a danger to all road users.

    “Passengers who take public transport not only reduce their chances of getting involved in car accidents but also do their part for the environment at the same time,” he added.

    Sim, on behalf of Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew, spoke at the launch of the 2010 “Balik Kampung Safely” awareness campaign on Wednesday.

    Express Rail Link’s CEO Noormah Mohd Noor said that every year passengers who used KLIA Ekspres or KLIA Transit helped reduce some 3.5 million car trips, cutting carbon emission.

    In conjunction with its eighth anniversary, 888 KLIA Transit tickets will be given out to customers.

    Jessie Wee, 57, from Kepong, said she was excited to get her free ticket as she was planning to travel to China soon.

    “I learnt about this from the papers and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity,” she added.

    ERL released a statement saying any remaining tickets not claimed at the counter will be up for grabs on its website at kliaekspres.com.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/5/nation/5605891&sec=nation

  19. Extra AirAsia flights for CNY

    PETALING JAYA: Tickets for the additional AirAsia flights during Chinese New Year are selling fast.

    Due to the huge demand, AirAsia has launched more flights for the period between Feb 9 and 13.

    The carrier has added one extra flight from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore and Johor Baru, two to Penang, three to Kuching and Sibu.

    Travellers can check for more information on airasia.com.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/5/nation/5617858&sec=nation

  20. Temple gets ready for CNY

    GEORGE TOWN: The Kek Lok Si temple in Air Itam and its famed pagoda will once again be lighted up with more than 10,000 lanterns and 230,000 decorative bulbs for the Chinese New Year.

    Temple trustee Datuk Steven Ooi said the annual lighting-up ceremony of the 119-year-old temple would be at 7pm on Sunday.

    He said the newly-opened 20-storey octagonal pavilion, which shelters the 30.2m bronze Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin) statue, would only be lit up on the eve of Chinese New Year.

    The pavilion is believed to be the tallest in the world.

    Ooi said the temple grounds, excluding the pavilion area, would be lit up from 7pm to 10pm from Sunday until Feb 12.

    He reminded people not to make a beeline to the temple at night just because the lights were switched on, as night-time visits would only be allowed during the first 28 days of the Chinese lunar calendar.

    “In the past years, there have always been visitors driving up to the temple at night before Chinese New Year because of the lights, only to have to drive away disappointed,” he said.

    “We chose an auspicious day for the lighting ceremony according to the Chinese almanac, but for now until Feb 13, the temple is only open daily as usual from 8.30am to 5.30pm.”

    He said that for three nights from Chinese New Year’s eve, the entire temple would be brightly lit from 7pm to 7am.

    From the third day of Chinese New Year until Chap Goh Meh on Feb 28, the lights will be switched on from 7pm to midnight, and subsequently until March 13, the lights will be switched on from 7pm to 10pm.

    A check at the temple showed that more than 20 workers were busy putting up the lanterns and stringing the decorative bulbs.

    Other workers were seen sprucing up parts of the temple with a new coat of paint, and pruning the trees and plants.

    As in previous years, Ooi said the public could contribute between RM50 and RM2,000 per lantern.

    Donations go towards the temple’s upkeep.

    Well-wishers can call the temple at 04-8283317

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/5/nation/5598935&sec=nation

  21. More postal staff to handle CNY cards

    KUALA LUMPUR: Pos Malaysia has engaged 50 temporary staff to process an estimated 6.92 million Chinese New Year (CNY) greeting cards this festive season.

    Pos Malaysia Head of National Mail and Parcel Operations Hasnul Haniff said a 2% increase in greeting cards was anticipated this year.

    He said this was despite the number of greeting cards sent out by mail having decreased due to the economic slowdown, and more people sending SMS and E-greetings instead.

    “But we do foresee an increase of two per cent this year,” he added.

    Hasnul said Pos Malaysia had already handled about four million greeting cards.

    The public were advised to send their greeting cards by Monday to ensure their cards were delivered in time before Feb 14.

    For enquiries, log on to pos.com.my or call PosLine at 1-300-300-300.

    Pos Malaysia offices will be closed on Feb 15 and 16, except in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu where they will begin operations on Feb 16.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/6/nation/5622864&sec=nation

  22. Hypermart to give out vouchers worth RM2.5mil to Clubcard members

    PETALING JAYA: Lo-yal Tesco customers can look forward to Chinese New Year “bonuses” worth a total of RM2.5mil when they shop at Tesco outlets for the next eight days.

    Starting today, the Clubcard Fa Cai Bonus promotion will reward shoppers with Tesco Clubcards with double Clubcard points on every item they buy while extra points will be awarded for other selected goods.

    The Clubcard Points collected during the eight-day period will be converted into cash vouchers and mailed to members with their next Clubcard statement.

    The vouchers are valid for two years and can be used at any Tesco and Tesco Extra store.

    “Chinese New Year is one of the biggest sales periods we have.

    “This is Tesco’s way of wishing our loyal customers a happy and prosperous Year of the Tiger,” Tesco (M) Sdn Bhd CEO Chris Bush (pic) told reporters after launching the promotion at the Tesco store in Mutiara Damansara here yesterday.

    The promotion, which ends on Feb 13, will also give customers eight times the points on all food items at the food court as well as discounts of up to 20% from participating tenant stores when they present their Clubcards.

    Customers using the Tesco-RHB debit card will also be given up to eight times more Clubcard points.

    Those using the credit card will get up to 8% cash back, meaning they will pay up to 8% less for their purchases from Tesco when settling the bill for their credit cards.

    Shoppers will also be treated to daily promotions and an extra special one will happen on Monday.

    “This is a challenging year because of the economy but in the past two months, we have seen customers regaining their buying confidence,” Bush said.

    He added that at least five new Tesco stores will be opened this year.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/6/nation/5623884&sec=nation

  23. Nightly joy of reunion meals

    KUALA LUMPUR: For the Tans, the happiness of sharing the meal with the family – which all Chinese do during the New Year’s eve reunion dinner – is a daily affair.

    Florence Cho and her husband Dr Jason Tan say they feel blessed that three generations – on both sides of the family – can eat together and more importantly, bond with each other, at their three-storey terrace house in Desa ParkCity.

    Her parents, both in their 60s, moved in with them in 2007, followed by Dr Tan’s mother a year later.

    The arrangement has drawn mixed reactions from friends, with many asking the family about the “magic formula” to keep everyone happy under one roof.

    It is common knowledge that married couples prefer privacy, while aged parents rarely want to be uprooted from where they have lived for many years.

    “Having our parents live with us allows us to take care of them.

    “It also gives our siblings peace of mind,” said Cho, 42, and the eldest of three siblings.

    The sales and marketing manager said her younger brother, sister and brother-in-law would join them for dinner daily.

    “This is a way for them to spend some quality time with their parents.

    “Caring for our parents is not just our responsibility, but also a way to teach our children filial piety,” said Cho, who has a seven-year-old son, Brandon.

    As for Dr Tan, his siblings are all overseas and his parents lived in Johor until his father died in 2008.

    His mother, Lee Ai Huay, 78, said she felt happier living under one roof with many others, compared to her home in Johor which was “always so quiet.”

    She said she treated her in-laws as her siblings.

    “My children return for holidays once a while. Seeing them all fills me with joy.

    “The saddest part is having to say goodbye when the holidays are over,” she said.

    Cho’s mother, Betty Loke, 64, said that being understanding and thoughtful was her way of maintaining a good relationship with Lee.

    “We are blessed because we have a good relationship and enjoy each other’s company,” Loke said.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/7/nation/5582353&sec=nation

  24. Kek Lok Si all lit up to welcome Year of the Tiger

    GEORGE TOWN: More than 10,000 lanterns and 230,000 decorative bulbs turned the Kek Lok Si Temple into a fairyland of lights as fireworks and firecrackers were set off to welcome the Year of the Tiger.

    This year’s annual Chinese New Year lighting ceremony was made more special as the 119-year-old temple in Air Itam also celebrated its entry into the Malaysia Book of Records.

    Hundreds of devotees, tourists and community leaders turned up to offer prayers and watch the spectacular sight as the colourful pagodas and ornate rooftops dazzled in multi-coloured lights.

    Enthusiastic shutterbugs were trying to get the best picture as they made their way to the top of the main pagoda.

    Earlier, temple abbot Rev Seck Jit Heng received the Malaysia Book of Records certificates for the tallest pavilion at 89.23m, the tallest bronze Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin) statue at 33.67m, and the tallest granite pillars at 42.24m.

    Congratulating the temple on its achievements, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon urged devotees to support the temple’s new plan to have a hospital for the underprivileged.

    Night-time visits are only allowed during the first 28 days of the Chinese lunar calendar.

    From now until Saturday, the temple will be open from 8.30am to 5.30pm.

    For three nights from Chinese New Year’s eve, the entire temple will be brightly lit from 7pm to 7am.

    On the third day of Chinese New Year until Chap Goh Meh on Feb 28, the lights will be switched on from 7pm to midnight.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/8/nation/5634748&sec=nation

  25. CNY scuppers Valentine’s Day weddings

    KLANG: Chinese New Year has trumped the day for lovers, at least when it comes to getting married at the Klang Hokkien Association Hall.

    Compared to the grand total of 102 couples tying the knot last Valentine’s Day, only three couples have shown interest in marrying on Feb 14, which is also the first day of Chinese New Year.

    “They asked to register on the first day but we told them to consider getting married on the ninth day of Chinese New Year,” said the association’s assistant registrar of marriage Chew Kim Swee.

    “The registration also cannot be arranged for Valentine’s Day this year because there are very few couples and most of the officers-in-charge of the registration will not be available.”

    He added that the association had recommended that couples register their marriage on the ninth day of the Lunar New Year, which is Feb 22, or on Oct 10 to take advantage of the auspicious date of 10-10-10.

    The association expects 300 to 500 couples to register for the October date and a mass wedding would be held.

    Chew said three couples had confirmed their registration for Feb 22 so far, and their weddings would be held on a small scale at the association’s office located next to the hall along Jalan Batu Tiga Lama here.

    Meanwhile, the association’s vice-president Soo Hak Min said it would hold its first mass reunion dinner on the eve of Chinese New Year.

    About 100 families with more than 1,000 people would be attending the dinner at the Klang Hokkien Association Hall here.

    “It will be a distinctive event for all of us to have the reunion dinner not just with our own family members but with many other families from Klang at the same hall,” he said.

    Besides eight courses of mostly traditional Hokkien food, the families would be entertained by a performance from Sichuan, China, fireworks, lion dances and others.

    Those attending the dinner are also encouraged to wear traditional clothes.

    Soo said the response was overwhelming since many families nowadays chose the convenient way, which was to eat out instead of cooking at home.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/8/nation/5630766&sec=nation

  26. Cops to watch over hot spots

    GUA MUSANG: The 377 accident-prone stretches along federal roads will be closely monitored during Ops Sikap XXI for the Chinese New Year balik kampung rush until Feb 22.

    About 5,000 traffic policemen would be patrolling the hot spots frequently, said Federal deputy traffic chief Asst Comm Fuad Abdul Latif.

    Police are expecting about three million vehicles to be using federal roads during the festive occasion.

    However, ACP Fuad said police would rather road users observe traffic rules than having the police go after them.

    “Twenty summonses have been issued to speeding motorists hardly two hours after the launch of Ops Sikap XXI yesterday,” he told reporters after launching the operation at a Road Transport Department roadblock at Kampung Mentara near here.

    “We hope the death toll during Ops Sikap XXI will be lower than 221 recorded during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festival last year,” he said, adding that more attention would be given to the safety of public transport.

    Express buses will be checked at terminals, not on the road to avoid traffic congestion.

    Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat had on Jan 30 said the authorities would not entertain appeals from motorists issued with minimum fines for nine offences during this Ops Sikap.

    The nine offences are speeding, overtaking along double lines, queue-cutting, beating the red light and using the emergency lane. Others include dangerous driving, overloading, failing to buckle up and not wearing crash helmets.

    Ong said there would be no bargaining as the authorities were serious about reducing traffic fatalities.

    Statistics reveal that 6,745 people died on the roads last year; as against 6,527 in 2008. From the figure, 60% of the fatalities involved motorcyclists and pillion riders

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/8/nation/5634737&sec=nation

  27. Toll ‘angpow’ for CNY’

    KAJANG: Motorists using 17 highways will receive incentives such as tollfree rides and discounts from concessionaires as “angpow” for the Chinese New Year.

    The concessionaire of the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway and East Coast Highway (Phase 1) has decided to allow free rides on 11.30pm on Feb 11 to 4.30am on Feb 12, and the same times from Feb 15-16.

    Other concessionaires will be offering discounts of between 5% and 20% for those using their highways, Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor said on Monday, adding this was the first such incentive for Chinese New Year.

    “In other words, this is an ‘angpow’ from toll concessionaires for motorists using their highways,” he told reporters after launching the ministry’s Road Safety Campaign in Semenyih Monday.

    Highways offering discounts on Feb 14 are Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP), SPRINT Highway, New Pantai Expressway (NPE), Sungai Besi Expressway (Besraya), Smart Expressway, Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (Akleh), Shah Alam-Kuang Guthire Corridor Expressway, KL-Putrajaya Expressway, Duta-Hulu Klang Expressway (Duke), Cheras-Kajang Expressway (Grand Saga), Shah Alam Expressway and Kajang Dispersal Link Expressway (SILK).

    The North South Expressway (PLUS) offers discounts on Feb 10, 11, and 12 while the North-South Expressway Central Link (Elite) will be offering its discounts on Feb 17, 18 and 19.

    Currently, there are 26 toll concessionaires operating in the country.

    Shaziman said the initiative by concessionaires was voluntary one.

    He added that his ministry hopes to identify 30 accident-prone areas (black spots) soon to carry out upgrading work.

    Between April and December last year, the ministry had carried out upgrading works at 10 such spots, involving costs between RM200,000 to RM10mil at each location, he said

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/8/nation/20100208152007&sec=nation

  28. Seize the opportunities

    The Golden Tiger may well add more sparkle to the new lunar year.

    THE Metal Tiger ushers in a year of good propects. It is a year of “thunder-fire abundance”, says feng shui grandmaster Yap Cheng Hai.

    “Thunder signifies prosperity and progressiveness, while fire symbolises all that is bright.

    “According to the Chinese calendar, the first thunder in spring wakes up all the worms. Even the silkworms will also be hatched,” says Yap, who is in his 80s. Yap recalls how he used to keep silkworms as an eight-year-old living in Gulangyu, an island off Xiamen in southern China. Yap was born in Malaysia but spent his childhood briefly in China.

    “At first, I wondered why the eggs of the silkworm did not hatch. Then, one fine day, they did and it was after the first thunder of spring!”

    “The Year of the Metal Tiger is also called the Year of the Golden Tiger,” says Yap’s son, Boh Chu, feng shui consultant and co-founder of Yap Cheng Hai Academy in Kuala Lumpur.

    He explains that this is because the Metal element is represented by the Chinese character for “gold” and some prefer to call it the Golden Tiger as it sounds more auspicious.

    The Yaps based the year’s forecast on the I Ching (The Book of Changes) method and the hexagram of thunder-fire abundance.

    “This Golden Tiger ushers in a time of greatness and abundance. As the thunder occurs spontaneously, so ‘the abundance’ will happen suddenly but will pass quickly. We must seize the moment as it comes and use it well,” says Boh Chu.

    “2010 marks the culmination of past achievements. All groundwork, whether personal or business-related, will bear fruit.”

    On a negative vein, Boh Chu cautions that the thunder analogy also warns of impending lawsuits.

    “If this is the case, it will be a profitable year for lawyers as there will be many cases to handle,” he laughs. “Whatever you do, steer away from any legal suit. Settle out of court if possible.

    “This year is represented by the imagery of a plant growing in warm Earth. Hence it is a good time for growth,” says Boh Chu.

    “Earth-related industries will fare well,” the elder Yap says, while Boh Chu cites that “timber and plantation sectors will also see growth.” However, he feels that Wood-related industries may experience a sway in fortune. “They will either do very well or badly. There is no middle path.”

    The electronics industry will also perform well because of the Fire element associated with the year. Businesses related to education and the beauty industry will enjoy good returns, too.

    Trial by fire

    In politics, the Year of the Tiger marks a period of stability, says Boh Chu, who concedes that “the testing period for political leaders has come to an end and they can sit in their seats with full authority. After the trial by fire, these leaders will emerge stronger.”

    On natural calamities, he says: “This year will see volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. There will be outbreaks of wildfire (like the ones in Australia). According to feng shui, these disasters happen because of fire in the Earth.”

    Geological instability can also cause mining disasters (explosions or fires in mines).

    Sectors that will remain “static” are property (due to the wait-and-see attitude) and mining.

    Healthwise, he warns, there will be a prevalence of diseases related to the heart, liver and limbs.

    “Exercise more, consume less alcohol and guard against limb injuries. It’s not a year to neglect your health,” Boh Chu advises.

    Marriage and babies

    Many people believe the Tiger Year is inauspicious for marriage, says Boh Chu. “Some Chinese associate the word, tiger (fu in Cantonese) with the homonym which means bitter. Thus the Chinese fear that couples getting hitched in the Year of the Tiger could end up bitter about their marriage.

    “Many Chinese do not like Tiger babies, especially girls, because they think these girls are very fierce and it would be difficult for them to find suitors.”

    Nowadays, says Boh Chu, the younger generation does not go around asking the other party for their zodiac sign to see if they are compatible. Most importantly, they must get along.

    Ruth Q. Sun, author of The Asian Animal Zodiac, opines that it is a good year for boys because those born under the Tiger zodiac will be “strong, brave, aggressive and active”.

    Tiger girls are perceived to be headstrong and obstinate – traits considered unlady-like in the Orient.

    “Girls born in the Tiger Year run a risk of leaving their husbands since the Tiger can run a thousand miles and back again in one night,” says the author.

    Does this mean that Tiger boys will also stray?

    “Tradition does not say so,” quips Sun.

    So who is compatible with the Tiger?

    Sun suggests that Tiger people marry those born in the year of the Horse, Dragon and Dog as they make good companions. Or they can be matched with the Rat, Ox, Rabbit, Tiger, Goat, Rooster or Boar. But never a Snake or a Monkey!

    “Tigers are thoughtful, sensitive and sympathetic but prone to indecision and quick temper. They are likely to have a suspicious nature and do not easily trust others. They can be stubborn, selfish, narrow-minded and bad-tempered, too,” says Sun.

    Finances and businesses

    Feng shui master Wong Keen Ming predicts this year will be a better year as financial woes will ride over. However, there is disturbing news as well.

    “Cheating cases (like telephone scams), rape cases and robberies will be on the increase. There will be more bankruptcy cases, too.”

    The political arena is stable but politicians should guard their own positions and not meddle in other people’s affairs. Gossip will abound but will be manageable.

    In this Wood year, Wong says that Water-related businesses will enjoy a boom. Shopping malls, the transportation sector, fisheries, construction, businesses imvolving imports and exports, and automobile workshop services can expect to do well.

    Metal businesses will be sluggish and these include electronics, telecommunications, banking, automobile and insurance. “Do not consider expanding your businesses,” advises Wong.

    Health

    Where health is concerned, Wong says: “Malaysia will experience more hot days and dengue cases may be on the rise. In July and August, we may have to deal with air pollution problems due to fires in Indonesia.”

    “The Year of the Tiger (Geng Yin year) presents plenty of opportunities for changes in careers and personal relationships,” says Datuk David Hew, co-founder of Visiber Sdn Bhd, a company that offers services using a numbers-based methodology.

    “2010 is the time for action. It is not a year for idle theories. You must be decisive, innovative and most important of all, act! If not, you may lose opportunities brought on by the numerical combination of 2010 which equates to the number three,” he says. According to Visiber, the number three signifies “going all out to attain goals”.

    The Tiger is the third Chinese zodiac in the lunar calendar and the animal sign represents yin in the 12 earthly branches in Chinese astrology, says Hew. The yin hour or hour of the Tiger is between 3am and 5am. The Tiger also belongs to the Wood element.

    The Wood element is extremely strong in 2010 and in the political arena, changes may take place in April, May, September and October, predicts feng shui master Gan Wai Kwang. Countries affected include the United States, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

    “The No.3 star will fly to the South sector, so there may be conflicts between parties. To reduce friction, place a pink carpet (avoid placing anything green) in the south entrance of government buildings.”

    Owners of houses or offices with the main door or bedroom facing the South sector may place a pink door mat to minimise any conflict.

    “The No.4 star (of knowledge and education) will fly to the North sector. This means that China and Russia may come up with new inventions related to the Water element,” says Gan.

    Natural catastrophes

    Parents who want their children to do well in school may place a glass of tap water with four stalks of bamboo in the West sector.

    On natural disasters, Gan says that in April and August, there may be earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and weather problems. Affected countries are Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, South Africa, India, North-East of America, North-East of Canada, Australia, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

    Gan warns that the mad cow disease could strike Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and South Africa.

    He also advises that precautions be taken to safeguard against bacteria-borne diseases, stomach problems and food poisoning.

    This year, the South-West sector is in conflict with the Grand Duke. With the No.5 star flying into this sector, Gan says that South Africa, which is organising the World Cup this year, may face calamities.

    People who visit South Africa can bring with them jangling keychains (which make noise) for protection.

    Gan also advises people to avoid wearing clothes in strong colours like red, orange and purple. Choose grey and avoid things related to the Fire element.

    Owners of houses or offices with the main door, kitchen or bedroom facing the South-West sector may place a grey mat on the floor to reduce the chances of ill health.

    fr:thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2010/2/8/lifefocus/5598850&sec=lifefocus

  29. What the year holds

    FENG SHUI consultant Yap Boh Chu gives a rundown on how the 12 zodiac signs would fare in the Year of the Tiger:

    The Rat

    If you proceed carefully, slowly and with humility, you can still grow yourself or your business. Be careful of detractors, trouble-makers or backstabbers who will persuade others against your cause.

    Health: Be careful of heart and liver problems.

    The Ox

    Thefts, robberies, quarrels and gossips are imminent. Do not embark on any risky ventures. If you remain calm and patient, an elderly benefactor will come your way and offer you guidance. Listen to your elders.

    Health: Beware of eye and heart problems.

    The Tiger

    This is a good year if you’re in the property and construction sectors. You will enjoy an unexpected profit or windfall, and gain much in reputation. There is a possibility for travel.

    Be honest in your dealings and do not be arrogant – or your luck may change. You may face lawsuits, so tread carefully. If people threaten to sue you, try and settle early. Don’t let your problems get out of hand.

    Health: Beware of eye problems.

    The Rabbit

    You will have a good but volatile year. When opportunity comes and you do not seize it, you have lost the chance but not necessarily incur a loss. Wealth can grow very quickly even from a small starting base.

    Do not get embroiled in arguments if you do not want to get sued. Humility can save you from confrontations.

    Avoid indulging in life’s pleasures. People of the opposite sex may lead you down the wrong path; this involvememt may not be romantic in nature.

    Health: Beware of liver and heart problems.

    The Dragon

    You will have a slow and bad start to the year. However, your fortune will change for the better towards year-end. You must be calm and maintain your principles. Do not panic if your business is slow. Avoid taking shortcuts to success as they may affect your reputation. Be on guard against people who may lead you astray by giving you wrong advice. This is a year when it pays to mind your own business.

    Health: Watch out for eye and heart problems.

    The Snake

    It’s a bad start to the year but it will end better. This is not a year for advancement, so do not raise the stakes by expanding your investment, or you will suffer losses.

    Consolidate your position and build rapport with the people around you to avoid friction in relationships. Practise humility.

    Health: Beware of blood, kidney, eye and heart problems, and excessive coughing.

    The Horse

    You hear of good news but these are only rumours. You will have rivals but you can overcome obstacles by forging strong relationships with the people around you. Be sincere in overcoming your problems and you may enjoy an unexpected windfall.

    Health: Look out for liver, throat and blood problems (anaemia, high blood pressure or skin problems).

    The Goat

    There are many changes in store. Consolidate your position at the start of the year and plan for the future.

    Be wary of cheats and thieves. You may need to travel to reap benefits. Persevere and listen to good advice and you will fare well this year.

    Avoid getting involved with the opposite sex as the relationship may turn sour. Also be wary of ill advice from the opposite gender.

    Health: Beware of heart problems.

    The Monkey

    This is a very volatile year and not a year to take risks in your investments. Consolidate your position. Listen to the advice of your trusted friends and make your own evaluation.

    There is a possibility you may make a name for yourself. You may get entangled in family problems and your children’s health may be affected.

    Health: Beware of liver problems.

    The Rooster

    Wealth can come quickly but it can also drain away just as fast. Do not be too ambitious. Remember the adage that slow and steady wins the race. It’s good to get a partner to share your burden and you may gain more respect.

    Health: Beware of stomach, eye and heart problems.

    The Dog

    You will have a good year but you need to have good rapport with people around you to succeed. A business partner can help you to overcome obstacles.

    Health: Beware of stomach and eye problems (or accidents that may affect the eyes, especially if you’re the eldest in the family).

    The Boar

    You will not encounter any major problems and things will run smoothly. You may also have many joyous celebrations. Ride with the tide and follow the trend to succeed. Going out of tangent may be disastrous.

    Health: Beware of health problems. Women, in particular, need to be careful. Look out for stomach, heart, kidney and eye problems.

    Your luck at a glance

    Lucky 5: Pig, Dog, Rabbit, Tiger and Rooster

    Average luck: Ox, Horse, Goat and Monkey (luck may sway for better or for worse)

    Unlucky 3: Snake, Dragon and Rat

    fr:thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2010/2/8/lifefocus/5598937&sec=lifefocus

  30. Sector factor

    Which direction you or your living or working quarters face is important, says a feng shui master.

    EVERY year there are three afflictions or negative forces to watch out for: Tai Sui (Grand Duke of Jupiter), Sui Po (Year Breaker) and San Sha (Three Killings). These carry negative energies (sha qi) which may exert negative influences when “invading” activities, such as renovations, are carried out.

    It is unfavourable to face Tai Sui (so turn your back on it) but favourable to face Sui Po and San Sha.

    This year, the Tiger is the Tai Sui or Grand Duke in charge of the North-East sector. Those born in the Year of the Tiger, Snake and Monkey are in conflict with Tai Sui. Hence, they need to pray to Tai Sui (in temples) to avoid bad luck or misfortune like accidents, conflicts, illnesses, financial woes and unemployment, says feng shui master Gan Wai Kwang.

    Inauspicious sectors

    “The inauspicious No.2 star is said to be flying to the North-East sector. As such, it can cause extra problems involving health and luck. To avert misfortune, abstain from any major construction or digging,” Gan warns.

    “If you sit facing the Grand Duke (North-East), you may experience bad luck, disharmony or fall ill illness.”

    Some feng shui consultants may advise you to place items like a pi yao (mythical creature resembling a winged lion) or lion, and also Metal objects like coins or a musical box in this sector to reduce the bad energy.

    However, Gan cautions that since Tai Sui belongs to the Wood element, one should not place Metal objects in this sector as it could anger the Tiger.

    “Consider donating blood to avert bad luck or place the Five Elements in a clockwise position: Water (cup of water), Wood (plant or green card), Fire (red card), Earth (rock) and Metal (musical box).”

    The Monkey who is the Sui Po will occupy the South-West sector, which is opposite Tai Sui. So do not face the North-East sector. If you are unable to change the direction, you may place a cup of tap water between South-West and North-East sectors to reduce the impact from direct conflict with the negative force.

    The South-West sector is also said to be high risk since the inauspicious No.5 star (Five Yellow) is flying there. Hence, do not disturb this sector (do not carry out ground-breaking work, renovations or noisy activities). If disturbed, the well-being of elderly women may be affected.

    San Sha will be visiting the North sector.

    Gan advises that you should not sit with your back to the North or you may encounter health problems (affecting the kidneys, urinary system, ear or blood).

    “Do not engage in any renovation, digging or noisy activities. Disturbing the sector will negatively affect your children’s education. It will also result in arguments, thefts, lawsuits, illnesses and bad luck.”

    Auspicious sectors

    The auspicious sectors are the Centre, West, North-West and North, says Gan.

    “The auspicious Great Wealth star No.8 is flying to the Centre sector. So China will perform well in the commercial sectors involving products, systems or ideas. However, those involved in businesses related to Wood and Water elements must exercise caution. To enhance business luck, place eight white stones on a red cloth or nine red cards in the Centre sector,” advises Gan.

    fr:thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2010/2/8/lifefocus/5605526&sec=lifefocus

  31. A meaningful gathering

    The reunion dinner is widely considered the most important event in Chinese culture and tradition. Generally, it is something that modern lifestyle or thinking has not managed to erode.

    NOT going home for the Chinese New Year reunion dinner is akin to committing a cardinal sin in Chinese culture.

    Your reason could be legitimate of course, like work, or, living or studying abroad.

    Then there are those who opt to go for a holiday during this period to take advantage of the long break, or to avoid the relatives.

    You know, those relatives who never fail to ask the same questions year in and year out, like “Aiyo, you are still receiving ang pow, ah? Next year, no more, okay?”

    If you are already married, be prepares for: “When are you having a baby? Don’t wait too long, you know?”
    Cherished event: ‘Gathering for the reunion dinner is like an obligation, a homecoming and a deep-rooted Confucian practice in Chinese culture,’ says Prof Dr Chin Yew Sing, honorary deputy secretary-general of Federation of Chinese Associations in Malaysia.

    And if you already have a child and think you are safe, anticipate this: “When is the second one coming along?”

    Family feuds, sibling rivalry and competitive siblings or spouses are other reasons some may dread, or avoid altogether, this all-important event.

    But whether people willingly or grudgingly gather with family members on Chinese New Year eve, it is still a strong tradition upheld by the majority.

    An age-old practice passed down over the generations, the reunion dinner is a special time for all members of the family to come together.

    However, lifestyle writer Judy feels that people should understand the meaning of reunion dinners.

    “If a family hardly gets to see each other during the year, then the Chinese New Year reunion dinner holds more meaning. But if a family meets regularly throughout the year, then the dinner is just like another gathering,” opined Judy, who’s in her 30s.

    “It’s important to practise and hold on to certain traditions, but we need to understand the meaning behind them, and not just follow blindly because it has been passed down down the generations,” she said.

    She said that making it a point to sit down together once a year but after that, have little or no contact, is also superficial.

    “If we really care for each other, we should keep in touch and meet regularly, not just that one day in a year,” she emphasised.

    Going for a holiday

    Judy spent seven years overseas studying and working when she was in her 20s and did not come back for reunion dinners during that time.

    “I got used to not coming back for the reunion but since I’ve been back, I have not managed to get out of it. Every year, I would secretly hope for a work assignment elsewhere but that has not happened,” said Judy, who has a sister and two brothers, with a laugh.

    Personally, she has many friends who go away for a holiday during Chinese New Year, giving the reunion dinner a miss altogether.

    “I guess, some people don’t feel it is that important any more,” she said.

    Communications executive Kent said the reunion dinner is a meaningful get-together especially if siblings and family members have not seen each other for a long time.

    “It is still a strong Chinese tradition to be home for the reunion dinner even if family members meet regularly because it’s a different occasion altogether,” said Kent, 40. “For me, it is an occasion to have a good meal!”

    Kent has two sisters living abroad who usually do not return to Malaysia for the dinner. Moreover, he added that since his father passed away a few years ago, reunion dinners have also not been the same.

    This year, however, Kent will not be with his family as he will go away for a holiday to meet someone special for Valentine’s Day.

    “I met this person recently and we have developed strong feelings for each other. It’s a significant day and we want to spend it together, despite the hiked up flight and hotel expenses,” explained Kent.

    He was initially worried about his mother’s feelings.

    “My main concern was whether she would be unhappy that I would not be around, as I am the youngest in the family. I do feel a little guilty not to be able to reunite and eat together with my family on that day, especially with my mum. But I also want to go for this holiday.”

    Surprisingly his mother did not question his decision.

    “I guess she knows I’m different from the rest of her kids and I like to travel all year round, whether it’s Chinese New Year or otherwise,” he said.

    Filial piety

    Lee Lam, executive secretary of the Federation of Kwang Tung Associations of Malaysia, stressed that the reunion dinner has held great importance in Chinese tradition since time immemorial.

    “It’s about filial piety to your parents or grandparents to go back and visit them during this time.

    “Many people leave their hometowns to study or work, so the reunion dinner is a time for the whole family to get together,” he said.

    He said even though family members may stay in the same big city like Kuala Lumpur or Petaling Jaya, they are often caught up in their own family activities.

    “Hence, the reunion dinner is a good opportunity to meet and catch up with each other.”

    Although rare, there are certain families who opt not to return for reunion dinners due to the heavy traffic or inconvenience, especially if long-distance travelling is required.

    “The reunion dinner is a good tradition. People should try to think of ways to resolve the inconvenience of travelling, like leaving earlier to avoid the jams,” he said.

    With more affordable air fares these days, flying is another option.

    Noticeably, going for a holiday during Chinese New Year is becoming common.

    “People usually make use of this opportunity to go away and relax, which is fine, as leave may be scarce to them.

    “However, I think not many people will do that every year and miss the reunion dinner and celebrations. It’s still important to maintain the bond with family over the New Year. Old folks still want their children to go back and visit them. It’s something that money cannot buy,” he said.

    Prof Dr Chin Yew Sing, Federation of Chinese Associations in Malaysia’s honorary deputy secretary-general, said the tradition of going back for reunion dinner remains strong, especially for people from rural areas or those who live abroad.

    “These people may only get to see their families once a year,” said Chin.

    He cited the situation in China in 2008 when an unusually heavy snow fall enveloped the country, paralysing transport and leaving hundreds of thousands stranded and unable to go home for the New Year.

    “However, there were people who resorted to walking back to their homes (in a neighbouring town). That was how determined they were to go back for reunion dinner. They overcame these obstacles no matter how hard it was,” he said, quoting the Chinese saying “Falling leaves return to their roots” to emphasise the point.

    “Gathering for the reunion dinner is like an obligation, a homecoming and a deep-rooted Confucian practice in Chinese culture.

    “Many people feel funny if they do not come together for the dinner. The Chinese still treasure the reunion dinner, which is a distinctive feature of the community and something we should hold on to,” he said.

    fr:thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2010/2/9/lifeliving/5608841&sec=lifeliving

  32. Festive favourites steeped in tradition

    CHINESE New Year is one of the most significant celebrations for the Chinese community the world over and falls on the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar. The celebration lasts 15 days and the last day is known as Chap Goh Meh (translated as 15th night in Hokkien dialect), often referred to as the Chinese Valentine’s Day.

    Before the occasion, families will be out shopping for items to welcome the Lunar New Year and homes and streets will be decked out in festive decor.

    Some of these festive must-haves are symbolic and StarMetro takes a look at some of the popular items on the Chinese New Year list.

    Ang Pow

    Ang pow-giving is a customary practice during Chinese New Year, where red packets or envelopes with money inside are given out by married individuals to those who are not married, especially the children.

    Giving the ang pow is a symbol of goodwill to bless the children with health and good fortune in their studies or jobs. The ang pow colour is usually red, which means good luck and prosperity.

    Mandarin Oranges

    In Cantonese, mandarin oranges are known as kam, which means gold and these are must-haves as they signify wealth and good fortune to come. These days, mandarin oranges come in boxes flown in from China and are given away as gifts to friends and relatives.

    Lion Dance

    The lion dance is a form of traditional performance in Chinese culture that has become ubiquitous during Chinese New Year to ward away evil spirits. These days, lion dances are also performed during opening or launching ceremonies and special functions.

    Lanterns

    The lighting of lanterns symbolise brightness that brings hope and luck, and homes as well as temples will be lit up with these during the celebration period.

    God of Prosperity

    Chinese New Year has to do with everything auspicious and everyone looks forward to the God of Prosperity making his appearances to bring good luck and blessings like giving out sweets, mandarin oranges and also ang pow.

    Bamboo

    These days, handy and decorative bamboo plants or twisted bamboo canes are among the must-haves for the home, as bamboo is said to symbolise resilience, nobility and longevity.

    Yee Sang

    This multi-coloured raw fish salad makes its presence during Chinese New Year where it is tossed with friends and family members, and the higher one tosses, the better it is as it signifies greater fortunes. Fish, or yu, stands for abundance or excess and surplus of luck and wealth through this new year.

    Nian Gao (Sticky Cake)

    The sticky pudding, where the Chinese characters nian and gao translate to year high or tall, respectively, is eaten to symbolise the “raising of oneself” in each coming year, as with the Chinese saying Nian nian gao sheng (or higher leaps every year).

    Everything Red

    Red is an important colour as it is supposed to give good luck, which is favoured by the Chinese, especially during this festive period when you go house visiting.

    However, red is not played up as much these days.

    fr:thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/2/9/central/5633505&sec=central

  33. A chance to pose with ‘God of Prosperity’

    GEORGE TOWN: Locals and tourists visiting Penang can have their pictures taken with a 2.4m tall God of Prosperity figurine which is set to become a Penang icon this Chinese New Year.

    The three-dimensional figurine would be placed at Light Street near the Town Hall Building for 15 days.

    There would also be four Penang CAT (Competency, Accountability, Transparency) mascot figurines dubbed ‘Menang’ keeping the God of Prosperity company.

    Penang Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Danny Law said the five polyfoam figurines cost RM15,000.

    Law said he came up with the idea after seeing a Santa Claus figurine along Orchard Street in Singapore during Christmas.

    “I felt that if they can have Santa Claus for Christmas, we can have the God of Prosperity for Chinese New Year,” he said.

    Creative consultant Ong Hock Lye, 55, said it took two 2.7 cubic metres of polyfoam to build the God of Prosperity figurine.

    “My students took two weeks to complete the carving by referring to a picture of the God of Prosperity printed on a red packet,” he said.

    Ong, who has been in the business for more than 30 years,said it required 15 one-litre tins of paint to colour the figurines.

    “We will also be carving a giant dragon head measuring 7.9m in height and 5.5m in width.

    “It will be placed in Armenian Street on Feb 20 in conjunction with the Chinese New Year Cultural and Heritage Celebration 2010,” he said.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/10/nation/5633924&sec=nation

  34. MAS offers CNY bargains

    PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is offering Everyday Low Fares for destinations worldwide in conjunction with the Chinese New Year.

    Those interested are able to book the tickets until Feb 12.

    Among the destinations offered are Bali, Hong Kong and Frank­furt.

    The travelling period is between March 10 and Jan 14, 2011.

    The tickets are available online at malaysiaairlines.com, MAS ticketing offices and travel agents.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/10/nation/5646106&sec=nation

  35. National Registration Department (NRD) counters closed for CNY

    KUALA LUMPUR: The National Registration Department (NRD) counters in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu will be closed from Friday to Monday for the Chinese New Year, said its public relations officer Jainisah Mohd Noor.

    She said the counters in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Perlis, Penang, Perak, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan would be closed from Saturday to Tuesday.

    For enquiries, please call the NRD customer service office at Putrajaya at 03-88807077, 03-88807071, 03-88807067, 03-88807069 or 03-88808206

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/11/nation/20100211123853&sec=nation

  36. True meaning of St Valentine’s

    FOR most people, St Valentine’s day is a day of affections and confections, a day of kisses, candy, and flowers. But just as Christmas is about more than gifts, so too is Valentine’s Day.

    The true romance of the celebration begins with the legend of St Valentine in roughly 270 AD.

    St Valentine was a holy priest who was arrested and imprisoned for marrying Christian couples and for aiding Christians who were being persecuted during the reign of Claudius the Goth (Claudius II).

    He was brought to prison where he was tortured in an attempt to make him renounce his Christian faith.

    When Valentine instead tried to convert Claudius, he was executed outside the Flaminian Gate on Feb 14, about the year 270.

    One legend says that while awaiting his execution, couples for whom he had conducted marriages brought him flowers and gifts to show their respect and admiration.

    This led to today’s tradition of presenting your Valentine with gifts.

    It is also said that, while imprisoned, he restored the sight of his jailer’s blind daughter and that this miracle led to his eventual canonisation.

    In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius marked Feb 14 as a celebration in honour of his martyrdom.

    The legend of St Valentine is a tale of true love that transcends mere sentiment.

    Its noble purpose should inspire everyone to be equally vigilant

    and heroic in upholding and defending the traditional definition of marriage presently under assault from secular humanists.

    Let St Valentine be our model and inspiration for life and humanity.

    PAUL KOKOSKI,

    Ontaria, Canada.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/11/focus/5643904&sec=focus

  37. Attractive offers for last-minute shoppers

    KUALA LUMPUR: Last-minute Chinese New Year shoppers can look forward to more great offers from hypermarket chain Giant.

    GCH Retail (M) Sdn Bhd marketing director Ho Mun Hao said the deals include a 40% discount on all Chinese New Year cookies, yee sang packages and assorted gold cakes, as well as a 15% discount on all brands of oyster sauce.

    “On top of this, Giant Citibank card members will have a special rebate of 10% on all purchases, from Feb 12 to 14,” he said in a statement.

    Shoppers who spend more than RM50 on a single receipt (from Jan 1 to Feb 28) will also have the opportunity to win prizes worth over RM88,888 including a Perodua Alza 1.5 SX worth RM55,000.

    Other attractive prizes include Nokia mobile phones (N97 and E91) and cash prizes.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/12/nation/5666599&sec=nation

  38. National level CNY do at Kg Baru Pandamaran

    KUALA LUMPUR: Folk at Kampung Baru Pandamaran will play host to this year’s national level Chinese New Year Open House on Feb 20.

    Around 20,000 people are expected to join in the celebrations. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is expected to the attend the event.

    Deputy Information, Communication and Culture Minister Senator Heng Seai Kie, who announced the event, told reporters at a press conference Friday that it was a celebration with a difference as all these years national level celebrations were always held in Kuala Lumpur.

    The celebrations at Jalan Chan Ah Choo from 6:30pm to 11pm will see a wide array of activities such as lion and dragon dances, performances by various artistes, fireworks and other cultural and traditional shows.

    The event’s highlights will be the tossing of yee sang by Najib, MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and other national and state leaders.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/12/nation/20100212185307&sec=nation

  39. Foo’s batik cheongsam a festive hit

    KUALA TERENGGANU: Seams­tress Foo Moe Ngoo’s 1Malaysia contribution for Chinese New Year – using local batik to make the traditional cheongsam.

    The 56-year-old mother of one wants to use the festive season to promote her “batik cheongsam” with Terengganu motifs.

    “Among the fascinating characteristics of the cheongsam I am making are changes in style, motif and colour,” she said when met at her Jalan Bandar outlet here recently.

    Foo’s RM39 batik cheongsam is already proving to be a hit going by the orders received. The enterprising seamstress is planning to open outlets in the Klang Valley to capitalise on the batik cheongsam craze.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/13/nation/5633774&sec=nation

  40. Couples find ways to adapt to CNY- Valentine’s Day

    KUALA LUMPUR: With Valentine’s Day falling on the first day of Chinese New Year, many couples are finding ways to accommodate both events.

    Some have decided to postpone celebrating one of the events – usually Valentine’s Day – while others have come up with ingenious ways to handle both on the same day.

    College student Marcus Wong, 22, said he planned to celebrate the Lunar New Year in the morning with his family, and then spend the evening with his girlfriend.

    “I plan to get her a bouquet of lilies as she prefers them to roses, then we will go somewhere with a nice view for dinner,” he said.

    A college lecturer who asked to be called Pua said she would be celebrating both occasions on the same day.

    “We plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the afternoon and then celebrate Chinese New Year at night with our families. I will be exchanging gifts with my boyfriend and then we will enjoy lunch at a nice restaurant,” she added.

    Some couples are just going to celebrate Chinese New Year and hold their Valentine’s Day later.

    Benignus Cheah Kee Guan, 22, and his girlfriend of two years, Patrice Chan Siew Yin, 20, have agreed to celebrate Valentine’s Day after Chinese New Year.

    “We have plans to make a trip to Genting Highlands to celebrate our second anniversary and a belated Valentine’s Day,” he said.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/13/nation/5670932&sec=nation

  41. Telco war heats up for CNY

    PETALING JAYA: Telecommunication companies are currently engaged in a sizzling battle with special promotions being offered for Chinese New Year to attract customers.

    Other than a wide range of festive downloads, the major telcos highlighted their Blackberry promotions and cheap deals on their websites.

    DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd has a promotion of RM58 a month for its Blackberry business data plan which includes unlimited e-mail and web browsing.

    Maxis Bhd is offering a Blackberry Curve 8520 at RM188 to anyone signing up for its prepaid business plan.

    It also has special Chinese New Year promotions which include ang pow giveaways and broadband rebates worth RM99.

    The same telco is also offering double phone deals where customers who sign up with someone else before Feb 28 could get special phone rates for two units.

    Celcom Axiata Bhd is also having deals for new phones and special promotions for Blackberry packages.

    As part of its double prosperity promotion, Celcom packaged a Blackberry Bold 9700 and a notebook for RM1,888 when customers sign up for its RM188 a month postpaid business plan.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/14/nation/5677634&sec=nation

  42. Perak MB to host open house

    IPOH: Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir will hold his first Chinese New Year open house at his official residence on Feb 14.

    State executive council member Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the event was meant for those who could not make it to the state-level celebrations at Chenderiang on Feb 21.

    Dr Mah said it would be a simple but meaningful event and would be held from 1pm to 3pm.

    He said guests would be entertained with performances by a Shaolin group from China and also lion dances.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/13/nation/5670995&sec=nation

  43. Lim’s CNY open house at Komtar Walk

    PENANG Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s Chinese New Year open house will be held for the very first time at the trendy Komtar Walk which opened mid-last year on Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong.

    His political secretary Ng Wei Aik said that everyone, regardless of race, was invited to the event from 10am to 1pm on the first day of Chinese New Year tomorrow.

    He said Lim chose Komtar Walk as the venue for the celebration because Komtar housed the state administration and the public would be able to see for themselves the efforts made by the state government to revive Komtar as an important landmark for Penang.

    “The guests-of-honour will be Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Dr Abdul Rahman Abbas and his consort Toh Puan Majimor Shariff. State executive councillors, state assemblymen, MPs, local authority councillors, and heads of government departments and agencies are all expected to attend,” he said in a press statement.

    Ng reminded the public to park their vehicles at the proper allotted parking spaces.

    He said the public were also invited to the state-level Chinese New Year open house organised by the state government at the Maju Utama business centre in Kampung Baru, Bukit Mertajam, from 6.30pm to 11pm on Feb 19.

    fr:thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/2/13/north/5653902&sec=north

  44. Wedding joy adds to Valentine’s Day and CNY

    GEORGE TOWN: Accounts executive Wong Yee Chen, 21, had been “eyeing” Ong Keng Pin, 26, since she was in Year Five.

    Finally, about 18 months ago, she proposed to him and he said “yes”.

    To add to her happiness, both of them tied the knot on Valentine’s Day which was also the first day of Chinese New Year.

    Assistant architect Ong said, although he was aware of Wong’s feelings, “nothing happened” until she proposed to him.

    “I was caught by surprise but after getting to know her better during our courting days, we decided to tie the knot.

    “We chose this day because a day when two events coincide is hard to come by. If we wanted another day like this, we’d probably have to wait for more than 50 years,” he added.

    Ong and Wong were among 12 couples who tied the knot in a mass wedding ceremony at the Penang Chinese Town Hall on Sunday.

    Sales executive Teoh Lik Tatt, 30, and his bride Lee Wei Ching, 28, who looked resplendent in their bright red traditional wedding attire, said although many people told them that the first day of the tiger year was not a suitable day to get married, they decided not to wait any longer.

    “It’s a modern world now and the people’s mindset is changing,” said Lee. “We waited a long time for this day because it is not often we come across a day when Valentine’s Day and the first day of Chinese New Year fall on the same day.”

    Yew Chien Yee, 24, who was born in the Year of the Tiger, said she did not expect to get married in the Year of the Tiger.

    She said she did not realise that her marriage to Low Yuan Pin, 22, would take place on the first day of the Chinese New Year this year.

    “After his proposal, I guess both of us were busy with the preparations. We even forgot that the first day of Chinese New Year this year falls on the same day as Valentine’s Day which makes it even more special for us,” she said.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/16/nation/5684640&sec=nation

  45. GAB Q3 profit up 43% on CNY timing

    PETALING JAYA: Guinness Anchor Bhd’s (GAB) net profit for the third quarter ended March 31 (Q3) improved 43% to RM46.46mil from RM32.60mil partly due to the later timing of the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration, a traditional driver of sales for the malt liquor market (MLM).

    Revenue for the period rose 18% to RM370.82mil from RM314.83mil previously while basic earnings per share increased to 15.38 sen from 10.79 sen.

    Managing director Charles Ireland said GAB’s third-quarter performance had further extended its position as Malaysia’s market leader in the MLM.

    He added that as at end of financial year 2009 (ended June 30), GAB recorded eight successive years of volume, revenue and profit growth.

    “We are pleased with our overall performance,” he said in a statement yesterday.

    In a note to Bursa Malaysia, the company said it believed the MLM was firming up and would continue to show upside momentum.

    “Overall, competition is expected to remain intense,” it said, adding that smuggling remained a major concern and continued to have a negative impact on both the industry and Government revenue.

    An analyst with a local bank-backed brokerage said GAB’s Q310 earnings were within expectations due to the timing of the CNY. He also said he was upbeat about the local malt liquor market.

    “With the better economic outlook, especially with the expected gross domestic product growth of 10% in the first quarter 2010, consumers are more confident and less cautious about their spending.

    “We do expect sales in the next (current) quarter to be better, given that the World Cup is just around the corner.

    “As the event starts in June, outlets like coffee shops and pubs will be stocking up on their supply ahead of the event,” he said.

    GAB’s year-to-date net profit rose to RM117.03mil from RM114.60mil previously while revenue improved to RM1.05bil from RM1.01bil. Basic earnings per share increased to 38.74 sen from 37.93 sen.

    fr:biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/5/8/business/6219029&sec=business