KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Anticipation is building across Malaysia as this year's Spring Festival draws near, with preparations in shopping malls as well as homes well underway.
The festival is not only of importance to the country's Chinese community but also for society as a whole, as the country's diverse population recognizes and celebrates various festivals. This year holds special significance, as the Chinese New Year Day, which falls on Feb. 17, also marks the start of Ramadan, a key Islamic observance in Malaysia.
Among those eagerly awaiting the new year is Zeen Chang, a co-founder of Kwai Chai Hong, a beautifully restored laneway in Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown, known for its captivating murals depicting the life of the capital city's long-standing Chinese community.
"What Kwai Chai Hong can do or has been able to achieve is something we are very humbled by and proud of, because we are able to bring everyone together and I do not mean just the Chinese community," she told Xinhua in a recent interview.
"For Malaysia, and especially for Kwai Chai Hong, this is a place where friends of all Malaysian races come together, unite, and learn about Chinese culture," she said.
The theme for this year's art installation for the Spring Festival is "Guardians of Legacy," a cultural showcase inspired by the traditional folk handicraft Cloth Tiger.
It features twelve Chinese odiac Guardians presented as sculptural figures of varying forms, poses, and scales, with the lead Guardian standing over 7 feet tall. Each guardian embodies a distinct blessing, collectively forming a visual narrative of protection, care, and heritage within the historic laneway.
With the footsteps of the festival approaching, this year's mall decorations are especially prevalent as the country is seeking to promote itself as a tourist destination under its Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
"It is great to see red and gold everywhere. You know that the new year is coming, and I am very excited to finally meet up with my family," said Tan Li Vern, who works in Kuala Lumpur. "It is the only real time to catch up with friends and family. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at our reunion dinner," she said.
Tourists and locals alike were seen posing for photographs, while familiar Chinese songs were heard over loudspeakers. Kiosks and temporary markets selling festive goods, snacks and clothing have also opened to the delight of pedestrians.
"There are some things that you can only get at this time of year. I am stocking up on my family's favorites, especially kuih kapit (Love Letter Crepes)," Chan Ze Tong said, referring to a traditional snack typically sold during festivals.
Popular Chinese food and beverage brands, including Mixue, a popular Chinese-style tea beverage chain, and Luckin Coffee, a leading Chinese coffee chain, have introduced special items in conjunction with the festival while many other local brands followed suit to keep up with demand.
Meanwhile, Malaysia's national courier service provider, Pos Malaysia, has launched a commemorative stamp for the Year of the Horse as part of its merchandise series to mark the festival.
"Inspired by the imagery of a community parade, the Chinese New Year 2026 stamp design portrays people of various ages and backgrounds coming together in festive celebration, with the Horse taking center stage as a representation of perseverance, energy and optimism for the year ahead," it said in a statement.
The stamp set comprises a Miniature Sheet of three stamps, along with a greeting card, an envelope and two specially designed angpow packets, all featuring a lively community parade theme that reflects optimism and renewal for the year ahead. ■