HULU SELANGOR – The 9th day of Chinese New Year is the day where the Hokkien clan celebrates the birthday of the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝) and offers prayers.
Fireworks will also be set off at the stroke of midnight throughout the neighbourhood as a symbol of revelry in welcoming the deity’s coming. However, this has caused much inconvenience to other races who may find the sound of firecrackers disturbing.
A netizen named Julia Goh Phaik Bee took it upon herself to give her neighbours a heads-up and apologise to them for the loud noise by notifying them via the neighbourhood’s Facebook group
To all fellow members of BSBR, I would like to inform you that the Chinese will be praying and setting off firecrackers tonight to welcome our God. Sorry in advance for any interruption caused. Please forgive us. Thank you all.
To her surprise and relief, most of the neighbours were understanding and told her to “silakan” (Go ahead with the celebration).
You can read the post here.
True #KeluargaMalaysia
The post has since garnered 2.3k likes, 518 comments and 41 shares as many Malaysians were touched by the display of multiculturalism and unity.
Many applauded Julia for taking the initiative in informing her neighbours beforehand.
Some mistook it for Chap Goh Mei, which Julia was more than happy to clarify.
Others also said that they wished to celebrate together by watching the fireworks or set off firecrackers themselves.
We wish everyone to be blessed with good health and prosperity by the Jade Emperor!
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Cover image via FB/ Bukit Sentosa/Beruntung resident, WeirdKaya & FB/ Andre CH Lai
Editor: Sarah Yeoh
