TRUE to the Malaysian spirit of multiculturalism, an Indian Muslim restaurant in Lintas Plaza, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah has been celebrating Chinese New Year for the last 24 years.
Every year during Chinese New Year, Restoran Salim prepares a free buffet, lion dance performances and ang pows for its customers.
On Sunday night, the restaurant was already packed by 9pm, with customers waiting for the lion dance performance at 11pm.
According to reports in Sin Chew Daily, Salim, the restaurant owner, and his family were all dressed in Chinese attire and distributing ang pows.
“I used to work with the Chinese and have many Chinese friends and customers.
“Also, my entire family loves the Chinese New Year celebrations,” he said.
Since opening the restaurant in 2000, he said he has been annually celebrating Chinese New Year there with Malaysians from all walks of life, except during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In recent years, he also included a buffet to treat his friends and customers.
“Customers never fail to ask me about the lion dance performance, which I have on the second day of Chinese New Year.
“They look forward to the celebration every year since I started it in 2000,” he said.
Sin Chew Daily reported that close to a thousand people gathered around the restaurant to join in the celebrations and watch the lion dance performance.
This year, there was also a dragon dance troupe.
“Many Malay customers reserved seats in advance as they did not want to miss the performance.
“I hope my children will continue this tradition with all Malaysians after they take over the shop from me.
“Malaysia is a multiracial country and festive seasons should be celebrated by all,” he added. – The Vibes, February 15, 2024
