A special Muslim guest for Chinese New Year celebrations

SPH Brightcove Video
Every Chinese New Year, Mr Timothy Loh's family toils in the kitchen to prepare a lunch feast of steamboat, chicken rice and braised duck for more than 60 friends and relatives who visit his home. But every year, without fail, Mr Loh would also order some fast food.

“We have to order food for Mazinah and her family. It can be McDonald's or even pizza, but I think she likes chicken a lot,” said the 61-year-old.
Madam Mazinah Ibrahim (right) visits her biological brother, Timothy Loh, every year on the second day of Chinese New Year.
ST PHOTO: BASIL EDWARD TEO
As a teenager, Madam Mazinah Ibrahim (left) distanced herself from her biological family. It was her biological sister, Doreen Loh, 66, who first got close to her by giving her English tuition for free. ST PHOTO: BASIL EDWARD TEO
Madam Mazinah Ibrahim has 'lou hei' with her biological family on the second day of Chinese New Year. ST PHOTO: BASIL EDWARD TEO

SINGAPORE - Every Chinese New Year, Mr Timothy Loh's family toils in the kitchen to prepare a lunch feast of steamboat and chicken rice for more than 60 relatives who visit his home.

But every year, without fail, Mr Loh would also order some fast food.

"We have to order food for Mazinah and her family. It can be McDonald's or even pizza, but I think she likes chicken a lot," said the 61-year-old.

Madam Mazinah Ibrahim, 57, is Mr Loh's biological sister who was given away to a Malay family when she was a baby.

The Straits Times Video visited the Loh family gathering on the second day of Chinese New Year.

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.