For many Malaysians, it’s mostly about family

We’re fully vaccinated: Three friends showing their digital certificates after receiving their second Covid-19 vaccine dose at a government health clinic in Ayer Itam, Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Many Malaysians are looking forward to family visits and a return to normal life once they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

According to a poll conducted on The Star’s Facebook page and Twitter account, a large majority of respondents said they would simply be excited if they could head into a new normal way of life that allowed for family visits, dining out and heading to the movies.

While most of the respondents said they were looking forward to the possible easing of restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals, many warned that Malaysians should not lose sight of the fight against Covid-19 and reiterated the importance of strictly following the standard operating procedure.

The most eagerly anticipated activity, according to the poll that saw over 1,000 responses as at press time, was visiting long-separated family members.

For Michelle Kueh, cross-border travel was the most important.

“Many families have not had family reunions for more than a year,” she added.

Toh Zhen Ming echoed the sentiment, saying he “just wants to go home and see his family”.

Besides interstate travel for family visits, Athiah Musa said she hoped that she would simply be able to cross district borders to get to her favourite grocery store, which unfortunately is located 11km away from where she lives.

If travel was allowed, Athiah said she would also want to head to the beach again and most importantly, attend her daughter’s convocation ceremony.

The second most popular activity was to dine in at restaurants.

Many respondents said a simple meal outside could provide much-needed relief from the fatigue of being cooped up at home.

Lee Teik Hoe, who agreed that dining should be allowed, added that a limit should be enforced and suggested that the number be capped at two people per table.

Echoing that sentiment, Athasha Mariana Wong said one could kill two birds with one stone by dining in, by also helping some of the eateries that were on the verge of collapse by providing them with much-needed business.

The third most popular option was to head outside for simple activities such as going to the cinema, or dropping by theme parks and shopping malls.

Many associated this with the opening of more businesses and shops which would, in turn, spur the economy.

User “carrotmilk” on Twitter said this would be enough and added that public parks and hiking trails should also be opened to those fully vaccinated.

Adding to this, Twitter user Azray_han said that allowing vaccinated individuals to head to the gyms would be enough for him as this would also help people stay healthy.

Whitepalexxm said upon being vaccinated, all he would like to do is head back to work or go to a concert.