Local travellers are keen but careful about vacations

Malaysians are eager to go for a holiday but remain cautious about the Covid-19 situation.

WITH leave days to clear and time on their hands, Malaysians are eager to go for a holiday next month but remain cautious about the Covid-19 situation.

Some are planning to go to less crowded destinations while others are more picky about where they stay and the timing of trips.

Research analyst S. Anita, 32, is even taking the initiative to do a Covid-19 self-test before going on her trip to Penang as a precautionary measure.

“As Penang is often crowded during the holiday season, I will do a self-test at least a few days before travelling.

“I’m planning a weekend trip there around Christmas but I will also choose a hotel that has clear Covid-19 policies.

“For example, my preference is for hotels that explain their sanitation procedures and what they do to keep guests safe,” she says.

To avoid crowds, Anita says she will avoid peak hour visits to her favourite places in Penang.

While interstate travelling is allowed now, she says Malaysians should do better when it comes to adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs).

“I understand Malaysians have been locked down for a long time, but it’s sad to see some are not following SOPs as strictly as they should.

“Even simple practices like standing 1m apart from another person are neglected by many,” she points out, adding that she has to remind strangers about not standing too close to her while queuing in supermarkets at times.

Anita also hopes more will prepare themselves with self-test kits and masks before going on a vacation.

“Such safety gear is becoming increasingly cheaper, so there’s no excuse to not prepare yourself in advance. Holidays are great but we must remember to be responsible too,” she says.

While he has yet to decide on a location, Maxwell Lim, 35, says he wishes to visit Genting Highlands as it has been a long time since he has been there.

“Many of my colleagues have made plans to go to other places like Langkawi, Melaka, Cameron Highlands and Penang,” says the company executive.

Lim says he also knows of others who booked flights to the United States and United Kingdom as they wanted to take advantage of the cheaper flight tickets now.

“Some of my friends told me they are bored staying at home but will keep practising the SOPs,” he adds.

Lim is still worried about Covid-19 but believes everyone should take all precautions no matter where they are and what they are doing.

“There is always a risk with anything, with or without Covid-19.

“It helps to know that most of the adult population is already fully vaccinated.

“But I just hope everybody will not neglect basic but crucial SOPs like wearing their masks properly and washing their hands frequently,” he adds.

Meanwhile, some have decided not to travel at all next month.

Marketing executive Shaun Ho, 36, and his family make it a point to travel during off peak seasons when they are fewer tourists.

“Normally, I wouldn’t be travelling during the holiday season. So it’s even less likely when Covid-19 cases are still spreading,” he says.

Ho is also concerned for his two young children who are not vaccinated yet.

“While most adults are vaccinated, my children are not. As such, there is a risk of us carrying the coronavirus and infecting them,” he adds.

Although his family would love to go on a holiday, they prefer places where they don’t have to be in crowds.

“At home, we allow people to come visit us.

“But before their visit, we will do the self-test first and ask them to do the same as well to be safe,” Ho shares.