CNY: LAST-MINUTE SHOPPERS PUT FINAL TOUCHES ON PREPARATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- Shops offering decorative items, flowers, and kitchenware are bustling with customers, especially from the Chinese community, as they make their final preparations for Chinese New Year tomorrow.

A Bernama check found that supermarkets and shops are packed with people making their final purchases as they put the finishing touches on their Chinese New Year preparations.

Self-employed Chen Kai Lin, 32, said she began her shopping spree at 8 am today, purchasing clothes and kitchen essentials for Chinese New Year celebrations.

“I went to the market first, then came here to buy clothes and a few decorations. I’m more excited this year as it’s my first time celebrating Chinese New Year in my new house,” she said to Bernama.

Zhai Zi Xiao, 12, who came to a supermarket here with his parents, said this year’s Chinese New Year was particularly exciting for him, as it was more special than last year with many of his family members from China visiting Malaysia to celebrate together.

“Last year, there weren’t many family members at our house because they were all in China, but this year, they’ve all come to Malaysia to celebrate Chinese New Year together.

“This time, we’ve prepared a lot of food, like Nian Gao, rice balls, and tangerines. We celebrated with family members last night, and tonight, we’ll be going to my dad’s friends’ place to continue the celebration,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chou Foong Meng, 60, the owner of iDecor Home, said his store has become a popular spot for customers looking for last-minute home decoration supplies.

“This week, decoration items are in high demand. Even today, there are still people coming in to make their final preparations,” he said.

Chou said that mini paper lanterns, wallpaper stickers, and flower decorations were among the customers’ top choices and best-selling items.

Tan Hui Yoon, 40, a worker at a traditional dessert shop, shared that she and her family had made early preparations for the celebration.

“Items like desserts are usually bought a week ahead of the celebration. However, some people still buy flowers and clothes at the last minute.

“As for my family, we still maintain the tradition of having a reunion dinner at home. My mother has been preparing for the occasion from yesterday morning until today,” she said.

Tan explained that preparing a reunion dinner was an essential part of the celebration, as it brought families together to celebrate Chinese New Year, making the occasion more meaningful.

Meanwhile, Nadia Zulkeffly, 31, a flower shop worker, said that today had been unusually busy, with many customers coming in to buy flowers on the last day before the celebration.

“Today, many people came to buy flowers. This week alone, the flower orders we received have reached five thousand, including all types of flower decorations,” she said.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, 2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake, which brings new hopes, including the spirit of brotherhood, success, and renewal, making these the central symbols of the festivities.

--BERNAMA