AWAY FROM HOME, UNITED AT PLKN FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR

KUANTAN, Feb 16 (Bernama) -- For two National Service Training Programme (PLKN) trainees, this year’s Chinese New Year will be unlike any before,  celebrated not at home, but with their “extended family” at Force 136 Camp (4th Battalion, 505th Territorial Army Regiment) in Pekan.

Liang Calvin, 18, from Jerantut, admitted feeling sad about not being able to return to his hometown for the traditional reunion dinner and to receive angpow.

However, celebrating with fellow trainees from different races has turned the occasion into what he describes as a meaningful experience.

bootstrap slideshow

“Of course I feel sad because I can’t receive angpow or have a reunion dinner with my family, but here I get to celebrate with my Malay and Indian friends whom I consider my extended family. This is a new experience that I will never forget,” he said when met by Bernama recently.

Despite being away from his loved ones, Liang said the celebration will strengthen the spirit of unity among the trainees.

Sharing the same sentiment, Tee Yih Khye, 18, from Penang, said celebrating the festival together as “one Malaysia” gives the occasion special meaning.

“We celebrate together as one Malaysia. Even though we are far from our families, this experience brings us closer,” he said.

Tee also expressed hope that the camp management would introduce more festive dishes representing Malaysia’s diverse communities to further enrich the celebration for trainees from different backgrounds.

“Usually during a reunion dinner with family, there are dishes like yee sang and steamed fish. But if traditional Malay, Indian, as well as Sabah and Sarawak dishes are also served, the atmosphere would be even more lively and enjoyable not only for me, but for all the trainees,” he said.

-- BERNAMA