IPOH: For many of the popular eateries here, they are taking baby steps for the resumption of dine-in.

       “There are many things we need to take into consideration first,” said Mohamed Nihmathullah Syed Mustaffa, who runs a well-known nasi kandar stall that has been billed as “nasi ganja”.

       For instance, he is concerned about people who might refuse to show their digital vaccination certificate.

       “Also, the foreign workers handling my stall are yet to be vaccinated. So we need to look into this as well,” he said.

       On Sunday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that Covid-19 restrictions would be eased starting today for those who have been fully vaccinated.

       Perak Coffeeshop Association chairman Ooi Beng Yeaw estimates that between 40% and 60% of its members will allow dine-in gradually.

       “They will put up signage stating that only those who are fully vaccinated are welcome,” he said.

       “They will also check for the digital certificate. Those who refuse to cooperate will not be allowed in,” he said.

       Ooi, however, said a majority of the members will not allow dine-in immediately.

       For M. Salim Restaurant manager Batcha Mohamad, he has decided not to allow dine-in yet.

       Batcha said he wants to avoid having to deal with patrons who might argue about having to show their vaccination certificate.

       “Also, my foreign workers are not vaccinated as yet, and I don’t want to risk their health,” he said.

       For residents here who have been missing the dine-in experience at their favourite spots, they prefer to be cautious for now.

       Dr Eshpreet Kaur, 29, said she misses going to her favourite restaurant that serves Asian fusion food.

       “I just love the ambience there,” she said, adding, however, that dining in will have to wait a little while more.

       As for marketing executive Jenny Lau, 43, she craves for dim sum for breakfast with her family.

       “It has been ages that we all went out for such a breakfast,” she said, adding that she does not mind waiting a little longer.

       Several NGOs here said that they hope the public would remain vigilant following a statement by the Health director-general that the state could see a surge in Covid-19 cases in the next few weeks.

       Family Wellness Club president P. Mangaleswary said there is a possibility of those fully vaccinated getting infected, which means they could spread the virus to others.

       She was concerned that the easing of SOP for fully vaccinated individuals could add to the number of cases.

       Perak Heritage Society committee member Mohd Taib Mohamed said he is personally concerned about the easing of restrictions, adding that the public must practise a high level of discipline in adhering to all SOP.

       Meanwhile, Ipoh City Watch president Richard Ng said it is not wise to continue to keep people in lockdown for too long as it would hurt the economy and their livelihood.

       He said being in a lockdown for too long could impact mental health as well.

       “(Any) relaxation must be carried out cautiously and gradually with strict compliance with the SOP,” he said.