Sarawakians choose ‘moderate’ Christmas following increase in Covid-19 cases, prices of goods

Sarawakians are celebrating Christmas moderately following the increase of Covid-19 cases and rising cost of goods.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Dec 22: This year’s Christmas celebration may not be as grand as previous years, with many Sarawakians taking into consideration the surge in Covid-19 cases and soaring prices of goods.

Sarawak is way past the post Covid-19 transition phase but it has recorded 641 new cases from Dec 10 to 16, which is double the number of 310 cases in the previous week.

While that is a worrying sign, the Federal Ministry of Health (MoH) however has ruled out the return of the movement control order (MCO) and will only reinstate the Test, Report, Isolate, Inform and Seek (TRIIS) framework to prevent any potential outbreaks.

With Christmas just around the corner, some Sarawakians are adopting the old measures implemented during Covid-19 outbreak such as wearing face masks, social distancing, using hand sanitiser and avoid large gatherings.

Agnes Mansor

A 24-year-old fresh graduate, Agnes Mansor said that she was preparing for a more simple Christmas celebration, similar to last year’s preparations.

“From my observation since last year, the price of goods has been increasing regardless of dry goods or wet goods. Therefore, my Christmas preparations are more budget-oriented because in the following days, we will also celebrate the New Year,” she told DayakDaily today.

Agnes added that her family is aware of the Covid-19 situation, prompting them to practise precautionary measures when leaving the house, including wearing face masks.

“For Christmas, we might reduce visiting other people’s homes because we are aware that Covid-19 cases are on the rise,” she added.

Olivia (left) in a photo with her husband and daughter.

Assistant accountant Olivia Robert, 29, also had planned for a ‘moderate’ Christmas stating that she only needs to shop for necessary goods.

“It is safe to say that we have everything ready for our Christmas preparation because we have been preparing since October where we steadily purchase Christmas goods such as cartons of boxed drinks, alcohol and new clothes for our daughter.

“We also recycled the old Christmas tree and just redecorated it. Although Covid-19 cases are increasing, that does not break our spirit to celebrate Christmas,” she said.

Meanwhile, Jerette Duncan said his family is taking things slow for this year’s Christmas as he is more worried for his family’s health following the worrying number of Covid-19 cases.

“When I heard Covid-19 is coming back, I am more worried for my family since my job requires me to go around and meet different people. So if there is any sign of sickness or infection from me, the best I could do is get tested and distance myself from them.

“Additionally, while inflation in our country is expected, it still came as a surprise when the essential items like rice, chicken and eggs have gone up in price. This is not just about cutting expenses for Christmas but it is affecting daily consumption too.

“It is better to take precautions just in case it gets worse so for this Christmas, we are taking things slow since Christmas is about being with family and good company,” he said.

Cornelius Darren

On the other hand, Employment Service Officer Cornelius Darren, 27, had an interesting outlook on the whole scenario that despite having a tight pocket for Christmas shopping, he is reimbursing it by spending time with his family and for Church activities.

“Our Christmas preparation this year is quite moderate because the price of goods have increased since the middle of this year.

“Nevertheless, Christmas celebration will still continue and I have a full schedule of spending time for Christmas caroling, family gathering, minor house renovation and church activities,” he said.

However, there are also people who might not be as fortunate that they had to completely skip the festive celebration.

Nicribia (left) and her husband Gomic pose in front of their home during Christmas 2022.

Private worker-cum-housewife Nicribia, 39, said her family did not make any preparations for this year’s Christmas, stating that she will not be able to continue the tradition of hosting an open house and inviting her friends and families like the previous years.

“My husband, Gomic, and I have decided not to have an open house this year because Covid-19 cases are on the rise and our household budget is a little tight for the moment since my car broke down two months ago.

“Therefore, we had to skip celebrating Christmas to save our expenses for other household needs,” she said. — DayakDaily