SIPITANG: For a remote village here that records almost no Covid-19 case to date, Christmas is still being celebrated differently as compared to the previous years.
Long Pasia villager Lait Lakong, 48, said the celebration is more quiet, not only because of the precautions to be taken at church and get-togethers, but also due to the absence of familiar faces.
Located about 110 kilometres from town, the ecotourism and culture destination has about 300 people but some of their family members from other states including Labuan, Brunei, and Australia could not make it home this time.
The forest guide of 16 years said apart from villagers, the village used to have tourists from Ukraine, UK, Australia and New Zealand spending Christmas with them.
"Usually, Christmas is a huge event here with sports activities such as football, volleyball, takraw and others recreational activities meant for children.
"There are also open houses where people are feasting together, but this time, people would just have to bring home the packed food, " he said, adding that people were still decorating their houses and the church to usher in the festival though.
In Tambunan, a woman, who is a recovered Covid-19 patient about three months ago, is not keen to celebrate Christmas this year.
The hospital staff who only wanted to be known as Vee, 38, said she would not want to be infected for a second time after battling with the illness that had caused so much physical discomfort including joint and chest pain; coughing, as well as loss sense of taste and smell.
"I was not sure how I was infected because we are required to strictly follow standard operating procedures at the hospital.
"Perhaps, I got the virus due to my own carelessness when I was with the community. This is why I am still emotionally traumatised especially when it involves large gathering.
"This year's Christmas will only be a family affair, celebrating with those who are staying in the same house with me," she said, adding that was thankful to have recovered fully from Covid-19 without any complications.
Sabah recorded 189 new cases as of Wednesday, bringing the cumulative cases in the state to 35,166.
The Health Ministry has also identified a new Covid-19 strain, known as A701B in the country from samples taken among patients under the Benteng Lahad Datu cluster in Sabah.
Although it is found to be similar to a strain found in South Africa, Australia and the Netherlands, it was still unknown whether it was more infectious than usual.
For additional standard operating procedures for Christmas, the authority has allowed 50 per cent capacity of church for congregants to attend prayers sessions today and tomorrow.
The Sabah government also advises hosts to limit visiting time for guests to two hours during open house.