'One-Malaysia' racial mix at CNY celebration

KUALA LUMPUR: It was a 'muhibbah' of sorts celebration for family, friends and patrons at a seafood restaurant recently.

The multi-racial mix of different races and religions gave a greater roar as they ushered in Chinese New Year's (CNY) 'Year of the Tiger', with a feeling of friendship, camaraderie, tolerance and understanding.

The occasion, to also celebrate the CNY seventh day for the Hokkien community, was courtesy of the Piau Kee Live and Frozen Seafoods Sdn Bhd director Datuk Seri Vincent Cheah Peck Heong.

Cheah is also proprietor of the Fish Market Restaurant in Jalan Kuari, Cheras where the dinner reunion was held.

"I have been hosting similar reunions every Chinese New Year season, for the past seven years.

"This is an opportunity to catch up and reunite with my parents, siblings, relatives, close friends and loyal patrons who have supported my business.

"It is my way of fostering a closer rapport with the different races and enhancing customer relations," said Cheah, who operates seven such restaurants at Puchong and Paramount Garden in Selangor, Cheras in Kuala Lumpur, Seremban 2 in Negeri Sembilan and Ayer Keroh in Melaka.

(From left) Lt (Rtd) Nathan Periasamy, Datuk Frankie Cheah, Cheah Liang Tee, Cheah Chi'a Ngi , Datuk Seri Vincent Cheah Peck Heong, June Lim, Fatin Aliza Salmi @ Pearl, Delima Mirza and Norazhari Mohd Noor @ Jerry at offering their thanks-giving at the Fish Market Restaurant in Jalan Kuari, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. -- NSTP/ADRIAN DAVID
(From left) Lt (Rtd) Nathan Periasamy, Datuk Frankie Cheah, Cheah Liang Tee, Cheah Chi'a Ngi , Datuk Seri Vincent Cheah Peck Heong, June Lim, Fatin Aliza Salmi @ Pearl, Delima Mirza and Norazhari Mohd Noor @ Jerry at offering their thanks-giving at the Fish Market Restaurant in Jalan Kuari, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. -- NSTP/ADRIAN DAVID

By doing so, Cheah also contributes towards the socio-economic well-being of thousands of locals and foreign workers, by offering them a myriad of jobs.

He said that he was able to sustain his business through the difficult Covid-19 pandemic the past two years, owing to resilience and loyalty from his staff and customers.

"It has been tough for everyone, with many businesses ceasing operations and individuals losing jobs.

"Fortunately, I was able to stay afloat by diversifying my businesses to support my restaurant operations – one of which was by establishing my own seafood supply chain to cater for my restaurants," said Cheah of his Piau Kee Group of companies.

Cheah's business is ably supported by his father Cheah Liang Tee and brothers Datuk Frankie Cheah and Cheah Chi'a Ngi - all of whom were present at the reunion dinner.

Also there were his close friends June Lim, Alex Chea Kwong Chin, Norazhari Mohd Noor @ Jerry, his wife Fatin Aliza Salmi @ Pearl and daughter Delima Mirza (who is also Cheah's God-daughter), Awien Syerin, Nordeanna Mirza, Marian Alexandra and former Royal Malaysian Navy public relations officer Lt (Rtd) Nathan Periasamy.

Datuk Frankie Cheah watches his father Cheah Liang Tee light up the specially erected CNY altar to offer a thanks-giving prayer with his family at the Fish Market Restaurant in Jalan Kuari, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. -- NSTP/ADRIAN DAVID
Datuk Frankie Cheah watches his father Cheah Liang Tee light up the specially erected CNY altar to offer a thanks-giving prayer with his family at the Fish Market Restaurant in Jalan Kuari, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. -- NSTP/ADRIAN DAVID

Norazhari runs his 'Warong Akok Kedut Jerry's', a favourite haunt for those seeking his authentic Kelantan-Terengganu delicacies, at Jalan AU2B, Keramat AU2 in Setiawangsa, Selangor.

The guests were feted to a sumptuous grilled lamb, seafood platter, spaghetti, roast duck, satay and fried rice.

They were also entertained to a marathon firecracker burst and fireworks display.

Close to midnight, Cheah's father led a thanks-giving prayer with his family at a specially erected CNY altar that was adorned with fruits, flowers and seafood.

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