A leading Church official in Malaysia urged citizens of all faiths to embrace shared charity as Lunar New Year, Lent, and Ramadan converge in early 2026.
Archbishop Simon Poh of Kuching described the rare calendar overlap as an opportunity to strengthen unity and support those in need.
The prelate noted that Feb. 17 marks the first day of Chinese New Year, followed by Ash Wednesday on Feb. 18, which begins the 40 days of Lent for Christians. Ramadan will begin soon after.
“This year Chinese New Year is a very special for all of us,” Poh said. “May God bless us with success and blessing in our society and Kuching is indeed a city of unity.”
He explained that Ash Wednesday marks “the first day to mark the 40 days of the season of Lent.” He described Lent as “a time for reconciliation for remembering those who are in need and for praying to pray more.”
Poh said the faithful in Kuching will experience the three seasons almost simultaneously. “For us in Kuching in Sarawak Malaysia we will celebrate Chinese New Year for the Christians 40 days of Lent and also the season of fasting,” he said.
The archbishop recalled earlier years when communities gathered across religious lines. “We gather together we celebrate with one another,” he said.
He invited Malaysians to act together during the overlapping observances. “I invite all to do something together for this season for this Chinese New Year for this season of Lent for Ramadan,” Poh said.
“Chinese New Year gives angpa to people,” he said, noting that red packets are given not only to “friends family relatives but also angpa is given to the poor to those in need.”
He added, “We give do works of charity for family who are in need.”
He said Christians observe Lent as “a time to live simply simpler to be less materialistic and the money safe we give to the poor.”
He also cited the Muslim practice of zakat. “We have zakat that our Muslim brothers and sisters collect and they donate as blessing for those in need,” he said.
Poh encouraged citizens to turn the convergence into concrete action. “And so during this time of Chinese New Year during this time of Lent for Christians and during Ramadan let us use this month to bless so many people,” he said.
“Let’s give generously and let’s make Kuching a better place Sarawak a better place and Malaysia be blessed,” he added.
