Chinese New Year 2024 in Malaysia

Chinese New Year is celebrated all around the world, but each country or community usually adds its unique customs to the common set. This holiday is also observed in Malaysia, where a quarter of the total population is of Chinese ethnicity.

Chinese New Year is celebrated for fifteen days, which fall on different dates every year, depending on the lunar calendar. New Year's Eve, the first and the last days of the two-week celebration are the most important.

The first day is a national holiday in Malaysia, and the concept of the open house is widely practiced. Not only do private homes open their doors to friends, but the country's leaders also hold open house parties where every local person or tourist can spend some time. Common Chinese New Year traditions include decorating streets and houses with duilian (a pair of scrolls with poetry), giving away red packets with money, visiting families, and, of course, watching fireworks and lion dances.

Chap Goh Mei

On the last day of the celebration, an old custom of Chap Goh Mei is followed by some modern variations. Single women throw tangerines into the sea with their cell phone numbers written on. Single men on boats try to catch or fish out these fruits in order to meet their destiny.

Lunar New Year in Kuala Lumpur

When staying in Malaysia, the best places to celebrate Chinese New Year are Chinatown or around Old Klang Road and Petaling Street in Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur. Many Chinese temples are located there. They are festively decorated and welcome worshippers. Lion dances and fireworks are common throughout Chinatown.

Lunar New Year on Penang Island

Georgetown on Penang Island boasts many beautiful temples, which are lit by thousands of colorful lights during the New Year period. In particular, it's worth visiting Kek Lok Si Temple, transformed by millions of colorful lanterns during the whole Lunar New Year festive period.