MIRI – The oldest quarters of Miri, home to Sarawak’s Chinatown, should be bustling with festive cheer. But for the first time in a while, the mood is gloomy, as the Covid-19 crisis takes its toll on locals.
Checks by The Vibes showed that the central part of the state’s Chinatown had neither trading activities nor visitors in the evening. On a usual day, this stretch would be packed with thousands of shoppers in the run-up to Chinese New Year.
Traders said they are staying away in compliance with the strict pandemic-induced restrictions drawn up by the state’s Disaster Management Committee, meaning that there will not be the usual stage shows or lion dance performances.
Veteran businessman Yap Loi Chin said the last time Miri was empty during CNY was way back in the 1960s, when the state was under emergency due to the communist insurgency.
“This time around, the emergency is due to Covid-19. Miri’s Chinatown traditionally has hundreds of hawker stalls and shops open in the week leading up to CNY.
“Traders of every race set up stalls and outlets to sell CNY and native foods, decorative items and street food.
“We can see not just locals, but also foreigners. Traders can earn more than RM5,000 per day during the CNY bazaar.
“But this year, no bazaar is allowed and no entertainment show either.”
The committee has imposed a statewide ban on all businesses and shows during the CNY period in a move to mitigate fresh coronavirus infections.
Miri has been one of the worst-hit districts in Sarawak, with about 300 positive cases being admitted to Miri Hospital, making it a Covid-19 red zone with inter-district travel being strictly regulated. – The Vibes, February 10, 2021
