Malaysians abroad say Covid-19 vaccinations help life return to normal

The Hounslow Jamia Masjid and Islamic Centre was used as a Covid-19 vaccination clinic in London, (June 18, 2021). – Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Life has returned to normal for people in a few countries after more people have been vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus.

Some Malaysians living abroad said strict movement restrictions imposed before were relaxed after the pandemic in the countries they are in were controlled.

Sabri Samson, a Malaysian who is an imam at the Hobart Mosque in Tasmania, Australia, said since May, people in the country have returned to their normal lives.

Muslims, he said, were allowed to perform congregational prayers without physical distancing and capacity limits at mosques and surau.

He said people in Australia, including Malaysians there, generally did not reject the vaccinations.

"The community here really want the vaccine and believe it can help prevent serious Covid-19 infection. However, we still wear face masks where needed," he said during the Antara Keperluan dan Khilaf Covid-19 virtual panel discussion aired on Bernama TV Saturday (June 19) night.

The programme moderator was Bernama chairman Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi with other panellists comprising Shireen Abdullah in San Diego, United States and Haliza Hashim in London, United Kingdom as well as strategic planning exco for Medical Mythbuster Malaysia's vaccination campaign Dr Megat Mohamad Amirul Amzar Megat Hashim, who was in the studio.

According to Haliza, the desire to enjoy freedom outside was the motivating factor for more people in the United Kingdom to get vaccinated against Covid-19, with a total of 30 million people who have received both doses of the vaccine so far.

She said getting vaccinated was considered as the only way to enjoy daily activities like before, such as dining in restaurants, watching football matches, attending concerts and theatres and going for holidays.

The UK government also opened up vaccination centres in community areas to ensure more people receive their vaccine to achieve herd immunity.

"Various campaigns involving celebrities and religious figures were held to encourage vaccination, including opening up vaccination centres near mosques, churches, Chinatown – and not marginalising migrant workers," she added.

Sharing her experience in San Diego, Shireen said the people are no longer required to wear face masks outside due to the improving Covid-19 situation, with almost 50% of the population in the area vaccinated.

Shireen, who had been fully vaccinated, said she felt more comfortable and safe going out now, but still chose to wear face masks as an additional preventive measure. – Bernama