KUALA LUMPUR: Waxed delicacies still remain a must-have food item for the upcoming Chinese New Year. The only difference is that most of these delicacies no longer came from China like it used to, but from Hong Kong, said trader Tan Hock Joo, 65.

"The quality of food from Hong Kong is much better as most of the companies have been in operation for over 100 years," he added.

With more than 50 years' experience in selling delicacies like waxed ducks, lap cheong, lap mei and red dates, Tan said the origin of traditional Chinese food, however, was never a big issue for his customers during the Chinese New Year.

"We just want traditional Chinese food to usher in the new year and that is what matters."

He said all food, however, would have to be checked by the health authorities.

On the other hand, an interior designer who wanted to be known as Liow said she would always consider the origin of her food before making a purchase.

"Usually, I do not buy items from China, especially food products. This year, I bought the waxed delicacies from Hong Kong."

Liow said she normally bought her food items from a food stall in Jalan Petaling.

"For any waxed delicacies, this is the place I will go around shopping for traditional food."

Stall owner Cheh Yoong Kong, 44, said he had been selling waxed delicacies from Hong Kong all these years.

"We have never imported any food products from China and we also have our regular customers," he said.

Cheh, however, said business this year has been slow, citing the economic slowdown.

Property agent Macy Leow said she was willing to pay more for safer food from a few countries.

"I would rather pay more for quality food than risk my life."