Kota Kinabalu: The Chap Goh Mei, the last day of the Lunar New Year, which is celebrated tomorrow (Monday), is not like what it used to be before, said United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of KK Life President Datuk Lau Kok Sing."Chap Goh Mei is as important as the first day of Chinese New Year but unfortunately, nowadays, the atmosphere is no longer there," he said.
Lau, who is also the Vice President of Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce and President of the Sabah branch, said: "Chap Goh Mei during my younger days were merrier but now it seems to have quiet down."
He said unlike those days where the children look forward to the Chap Goh Mei, kids nowadays, other then the dinner, doesn't seem to be keen in creating the atmosphere.
"Those days when the small firecrackers and fireworks were not banned, everyone took part in it and created a wonderful atmosphere," he said.
He said those days, the small firecrackers and fireworks were harmless unlike those today.
He said in China, during Chap Goh Mei, the people will go out that night with lanterns in their hands to meet or look for their partners.
"But in Sabah, we don't practice that. Instead most Chinese families will have dinner gatherings, just like the reunion dinner on Chinese New Year Eve.
"Those who can't come back for the reunion, can come back for the dinner on Chap Goh Mei," he said, adding that ang pows can still be given till Chap Goh Mei.
Meanwhile, Lau urged the people not to play the 'powerful fireworks' during Chap Goh Mei like the tragedy that befall the man in Penampang during Chinese New Year Eve.
"Chap Goh Mei is not about who can blast the most fireworks into the sky but a day for family members to gather again and have dinner before some of them leave to pursue their career or education in other places," he said.
