By Sarawakian
We have left 2024 and we are now in 2025. Time has flown so fast for many of us. Most of our new year resolutions made at the beginning of the last year have not even been fulfilled and with some, not even started.
I am guilty of this too. Nevertheless, that would not stop me or anyone in the same boat producing the same new year resolutions for the year. 2024 has been relatively an average year for Malaysia.
On the political front, there does not seem to be anything significant other than gravely divisive stances made by some. These include the issues of Halal, Boycotts as well Christmas. Luckily, Malaysians overall have a reasonable mindset and do not fall prey to the constant divisive rhetoric some politicians tend to use when they do not have anything else to bring to the table.
Based on the data and readings from the Malaysia Statistics Department, the economy of Malaysia seems to be improving at the top end where the international play is concerned. Our GDP growth is expected to be at 5% for the year 2024 with the unemployment rate remarkably close to 3%.
Domestic tourism growth is expected to improve by over 22% for 2024 compared to the year before. The domestic tourism expenditure growth is close to 30% compared to the year 2023. It was noted that the domestic airport arrivals chalked close to 3.5% more than the year 2023. This has indeed spurred on the local economy and the hospitality industry once again.
The international tourist arrivals have also marked an increase of over 30% compared with the year before with tourists from China showing a 140% increase and India showing 80% increase. This is due to the fact of the relaxed visa entry for both countries. The visa free initiative had also been reciprocated by both countries for Malaysian citizens and this has spurred the tourism industry immensely.
It is an interesting fact to note that being so close to Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia (on the island of Borneo) and Thailand (in the Peninsula), that the mode of entry for tourists is about 52% via land compared with those arriving via flights at 42%. This shows that having good infrastructure for land is as important as those for air flights.
To be honest, the main airport in Malaysia has two terminals. They are now known as KLIA T1 or T2 instead of KLIA 1 and 2. T2 is the one where AirAsia calls home along with other low-cost airlines whereas T1 is where the full-service flights are. The Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang has also got domestic flights and flights to Singapore and Jakarta.
The next school holidays are also known as the year-end holidays and would begin from 17/18th January 2025 till 15/16th February 2025. This would sufficiently cover the Chinese New Year which would fall on 29th January 2025 and Chap Goh Meh on 12th February 2025. The balik kampung phenomenon would be amplified as most would have more time with school having a holiday period then. But it does not mean that most parents can get as much leave within the first quarter of the year unless they are allowed to carry forward from 2024.
The year of the wood dragon will relinquish the throne to the wood snake in 2025. It is expected that the skies will yet again see a plethora of colour as fireworks are shot up into the skies to celebrate. The sounds of firecrackers are expected to create a cacophony for the 15 days. I pity the pets as they would be exposed to light and sounds around the clock. It is best that owners manage their pets.
The new year preparations began once Christmas Day has passed. Decorations would be put up to replace those from Christmas and the music played would change to the familiar beats of Chinese New Year. Many would still prepare their family reunion lunch or dinner whilst some would rather opt to go out to a restaurant. A hybrid would be a family who orders food and delicacies and has them at home. Whatever the way, the main reason is to come back together with family and friends.
The smell of bak kwa being prepared on a charcoal fire, roasted duck, steamed prawns, steamed fish, siew yuk, poached chicken and the many varieties of cookies would just make you yearn for them. I do hope traditional dinners and festive delights do not one day disappear and be replaced with more westernized interpretations.
The ang pow packets are still around though not many banks are printing them and giving them away to their customers. Even getting small denominations for crisp notes are hard to come by. Soon, everything will be digital. Imagine a time where ang pows are via QR codes or e-ang pau transfers. Where is the fun in that on Chinese New Year’s Day when you greet the elders?
It is important to note that there is a likelihood that the roads would still be jammed especially going out of the Klang Valley. The airports would also see a huge traffic especially at T2 which can accommodate more passengers than T1.
It is expected that ticket prices would be more affordable than before as many flights have been reinstated. I would suggest those thinking of flying be clever and go through the terms for each airline. Make sure you compare the same provisions. This includes “CCMS” i.e., the carry-on luggage, checked in luggage, meals and seat selection.
Those taking the highways, do sleep enough beforehand and take frequent toilet breaks in between. Get your caffeine fix and drive leisurely.
Do enjoy the season of celebration and here is wishing everyone a Happy New Year 2025 and Gong Xi Fa Cai 2025 in the year of the Wood Snake! Here is to more prosperity, good health and happiness for everyone! Huat ah!!!
