KUCHING: With restrictions on large physical gatherings during the celebrations of the year’s Chinese New Year (CNY) due to the coronavirus, the pandemic did not stop the Hing Ann Association (Kuching) from distributing ang pows to the elderly.
This act of contributing to the elderlies (known as Heng Huas) is a tradition practised by the association during CNY.
Ang pows, Mandarin oranges and Chinese pork jerkies were distributed uniquely by organising a drive-through held at the association’s premise in Jalan Padungan today.
Some 271 elderly recipients altogether, with 190 aged 70 to 79 received ang pows of RM100 each, while 68 recipients aged 80 to 89 received RM200 each, and 13 recipients aged 90 to 99 received RM300 each.
The highlight of the event saw two elderlies, Chua Ah Sai(96), and Chua Kiam Moi(94) who received RM1,500 and other CNY goodies, respectively.
At the sideline of the event, the association’s president Michael Teo Kim Huat said that during every CNY, the association would organise a dinner for the Heng Huas to reunite and strengthen ties among them.
“At the dinner, we would also present ang pows to the elderly members as a sign of respect and appreciation.
“Because of Covid-19, we decided that the CNY dinner shouldn’t be held for the safety of everyone,” he said.
He added that due to the restrictions and the safety of others, the association decided to take the initiatives to organise the drive-through ang pow distribution, following strictly with the standard operating procedures (SOP) set.
Also present were the association’s deputy president Kok Hin Kai, Women Affairs Tay Gek Lan, respective vice presidents Kapitan Tan Kok Chiang, Lau Thin Kin, Tay Kim Geok, function chairman Tay Boon Huat, Youth chief and event organising chairman Ho Kok Huat.
