By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, Jan 29 — The Chinese New Year preparations in Taman Sri Muda, Section 25 has turned out to be more moderate than usual, in wake of the heavy floods that struck the area in December last year.
Mini-mart owner Ng Yean Huan said in the period leading up to the festivities, it was common to see many do their shopping for necessities. However, this year is somewhat different, even as the first day of the Chinese New Year begins on Tuesday (February 1)
“Many have exhausted their funds due to the floods. Many more household items need to be bought, as opposed to goods for the preparation of the Chinese New Year.
“I am personally marking the festivities low-key this year, the sorrow of seeing my damaged shop has not left me. I will hold a simple banquet for family and prayers, since that is custom,” he told SelangorKini.
In the 20 years that Ng has run his store in Taman Sri Muda, he said there have been two instances when flooding occurred on such a large scale which caused considerable losses.
“I hope the flooding problems can be resolved. After the last flood, several of my friends decided to move away, as they feared it would recur and cannot bear to take the risk,” Ng said.
Tailor and decorative goods seller Ong Lee Kiang admitted this year’s celebrations have been less cheerful, as not many customers have been buying lanterns.
She herself is not accepting clothing orders, as many of her regular customers are still affected by the floods.
“Before the flood happened, I had nearly 80 orders for clothes, all of which were destroyed when my shop was submerged in floodwater. Yet some customers do not understand my plight and demand compensation.
“Were it not for the floods, I would be busy sewing until the day before, but this year is quiet. Some of the decorations are also insufficient since for those there are many customers,” Ong said.
Meanwhile Taman Sri Muda resident Chan Yook Lan, 65, said she will be marking the Chinese New Year with a simple family meal and prayer ceremonies.
“We always invite friends and neighbours around, but this year we will not. We will still celebrate, only this year it will be low-key as the house is not fully cleaned up after the floods,” she said.
The extraordinary rainfall from December 17 to December 19 last year was twice the amount of the previous high of 180mm, resulting in many locations throughout Selangor becoming submerged in water.
Taman Sri Muda was one of three main locations in the state which experienced serious damages, the other two being Hulu Langat, and Bukit Lanchong in Subang Jaya.
