NEW Year is the time when we tell ourselves that there are another 365 days of opportunities to start afresh or venture into new possibilities.
Therefore, to check out what are the hopes and desires of our people for the year 2022, the Buletin Mutiara team conducted a random survey today.
Below are their views, mainly expressing hopes of better days ahead.
Thaarshenii Kumar (28, MITRA assistant director)
“I want to enter the year 2022 with a positive vibe and a renewed mindset. Whatever that has passed, I want to let it go. Let us all welcome the New Year with lots of positivity.
“This 2022, let us work together to make our world Covid-19 free. We have managed to bring down the number of cases through the spirit of unity and let us continue to do so.
“I also wish the desires and dreams of everyone to come true in the year 2022. Hold on to the things that give you peace and happiness.
“I look forward to a year filled with peace and happiness.”
Lilaambikha Raja Vikraman Varman (33, HR manager)
“My hope in 2022 is for Malaysia to move forward, anticipating exciting prospects for its people.
“The well-being of all layers of the society should be taken care of.
“As a Malaysian citizen, I hope for faithful and committed leaders who can govern the country wisely as well as without any political agendas.
“My new year resolution is to be more active in sports and to learn as much as possible.”
Prasath Raja Vikraman Varman (29, digital application specialist)
“My new year resolution is to plant more trees as an effort to conserve and preserve the tropical forests in Malaysia.
“This is my goal as it will then lead to the restoration of many other things in due time.
“When we restore spaces like forests, we actually restore the serenity that humanity needs.”
Mohamad Fazrul Che Lan (35, technician)
“Usually every year, I will bring my family to celebrate the New Year’s Eve to enjoy some fireworks at places such as at Dataran Pemuda Merdeka in Butterworth and also in Pantai Bersih near the Bagan Ajam R&R (rest and relaxation) stop in Butterworth.
“But due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we just celebrated it at home for the past two years. And looks like it will be the same for this year as well.
“The police have announced that there will be no New Year’s Eve celebration this year involving large gatherings to avoid the risk of Covid-19 outbreaks.
“I think it is a wise decision for all of us. So, I will just celebrate it at home with my wife and kids. Hopefully, the situation will be getting better for next year.”
Nur Aisyah Mastura Abdul Halim (20, student)
“I will just celebrate the New Year’s Eve at home together with my family members. It is much safer that way in view of the pandemic that is still here with us.
“We will have a grand dinner tonight at home. So, I think it’s not even a problem not being able to celebrate the New Year’s Eve at popular spots.
“We can just celebrate it at home while enjoying some delicious food.
“I also hope for next year, our country will be ready from pandemic to endemic. This is important to ensure that our life will be back to normal again while still adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs).”
Alia Natasha Abdul (31, beautician)
“While we are all waiting eagerly to usher in 2022, my resolution for next year is to be a much better person.
“I also hope that the year 2022 will be a brighter year for all of us.
“My other New Year resolution also is to buy a new house. By new house, I mean I want to purchase my first house.
“I just got married earlier this month and currently both my husband and I are renting a house in Seberang Jaya.
“And we are actively searching for a suitable house for our small family.
“Hopefully, we will be able to secure an affordable house next year.
“As a Penangite, I also hope that the state government will continue to collaborate with the Federal Government to provide more affordable housing in Penang to assist the B40 group like us to have our first home.”
Story by Riadz Akmal & Tanushalini Moroter
Pix courtesy of interviewees