COUPLES and lovebirds’ anxious wait for the much-anticipated Valentine’s Day, which coincides with the third day of Chinese New Year (Feb 14) this year, will now be celebrated in a toned down atmosphere.
In the past, Feb 14 is the day that many couples would eagerly look forward to as they could spend the romantic day with their loved ones, having dinner together or exchanging gifts with each other.
However, the coming annual celebration in more than a week’s time is set to be scaled down due to unprecedented events.
This comes as the nation is currently grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic and an ongoing movement control order (MCO) which would last till Feb 18.
Buletin Mutiara caught up with some lovebirds on their plans ahead to mark the meaningful occasion amid this Covid-19 pandemic.
One of them was Lucas Dinish, 35, who revealed that Feb 14 would still be a day to enjoy with loved ones.
However, he said the celebration would be different this year due to the partial lockdown imposed by the Federal Government.
“In previous years, my wife and I would go dining but for this year, I will cook for her and my small daughter.
“We need to play our part well to break the chain of infection no matter what the festivities are,” the civil servant said when interviewed.
Like Lucas, Chen Pooi Yee, 33, too has already expected the dining ban at restaurants and eateries to continue as the Covid-19 cases remain high.
She said she and her husband had already planned to have a simple meal at home.
“Personally, I would say it’s better to be safe than sorry. I would feel safe if we can avoid overcrowded places. So, it would be good to have a meal with our loved ones at home.
“After all, health is above everything else while Valentine’s Day can be celebrated every year,” Chen, a planner by profession, said.
For Yap Wei Hao, he feels lucky that he will be able to ‘meet’ with his girlfriend virtually.
“In this digital era, we can consider ourselves lucky enough as we can chat with each other using various online platforms.
“Safety and health comes first. That is the most important thing,” said the media practitioner.
Cheah Min Qi, who is working in the administrative field, said she and her boyfriend would just have a simple celebration.
“We have not planned anything yet but I feel it’s better for us to save up during this economic situation,” she said.
Meanwhile, checks by Buletin Mutiara at florist shops showed that their businesses have suffered a drastic drop in demand.
Flower Land Florist & Gifts owner Kent Kang Beng Kheng said the orders from regular customers have seen a remarkable reduction compared to previous years.
“For now, we have only received four to five orders – almost less than half of the usual orders.
“We can only sustain day by day and hope for the best. No one knows how long this bleak situation will last.
“People rather spend on other essential items rather than on flowers,” he said.
Arcadia Florist and Gift Centre owner Vivian Lim shared the same sentiment, saying her business has dropped by about 40%.
“This year, the Valentine’s Day atmosphere will be completely different compared to previous years. We couldn’t blame anyone as this is the reality that has hit every sector.
“I think many couples are also not in the mood to celebrate the special day as many have been out of jobs as well.
“So, we just hope for further clarification from the authorities to ensure the florist industry stays afloat,” she added.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan