KUALA LUMPUR: Shopping malls, tourist spots and coomercial neigbourhoods have decorated and lit up with beautiful lanterns and banners to lift the festive spirit of all Malaysians as the Chinese community usher in the Chinese New Year (CNY), later this week.
Although the festive decorations this year were described to be moderate, the local Chinese community at Petaling Street nevertheless said it helps to lift their New Year spirit.
A trader at Petaling Street who wants to be identified as Chung said that he was happy with the decorations being put up by the City Hall all over the street.
"We want the tourists as well as the locals to feel the festive spirit with these decorations, especially when they are lit up at night, it creates a peaceful ambience," he said.
Bag trader Loo Seck Kai, from Tronoh, Perak said he is excited to go back to usher in the New Year with his in-laws.
"Although business is so slow, not many people come here to shop for their goods as they prefer shops nearer to their residential areas. However, I hope that people will come to Petaling Streets to do their last minute shopping. The situation has been like this since a few years ago. Business will only pick up two or three days before CNY," he said.
Shopper, Toh Li Kuen, 45, said she's scouting around for Chinese New Year items before returning to bargain for decorations a day before CNY.
"I will have to plan on what should I buy and what can be reused, I have to go back and discuss the budget with my husband," she said.
Meanwhile, a check at the Central Market saw lanterns and Chinese zodiac figurines decorated outside the building.
A few tourists were seen taking pictures with the figurines.
Alexander Sorenson from London said his son was really excited to take pictures with animal figures representing the Chinese zodiac.
"He has never seen animals decorations like this in England," said Sorenson, who was glad his son was able to learn about another culture.
Meanwhile, shopping malls around Klang Valley also have been decorated with lanterns, mandarin oranges, cherry blossoms as well as Chinese calligraphy.
Edward Keith, 46, from Norway said he loved the red atmosphere at Bangsar Shopping Centre.
"It feels like I am also celebrating CNY. I will be checking out the traditional clothing such as Cheongsam for my with and daughter since we are going to be here until next month," he said.
The Chinese community will usher in the Year of the Dog this Friday and will be preceeded by the all important family dinner on the eve of CNY.