PETALING JAYA: There has been mixed reaction to plans to ease restrictions for the Klang Valley as it moves into Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), with some people concerned at the present Covid-19 situation and others expressing relief after being “cooped-up” at home for too long.
Melissa Koh, a 28-year-old accountant, said prospects of Klang Valley transitioning into Phase Two of the NRP is incredible news, as she cited “pandemic fatigue” after staying at home for several months.
“We are ready to go back to our normal daily lives. Despite being fully vaccinated, we can still get infected.
“So, I will take the necessary precautions and avoid crowded places, as well as comply with the standard operating procedures at all times,” she said.
Koh stressed the need to reopen the economy, as the livelihood of many Malaysians had been affected since restrictions began in March last year to stem the pace of Covid-19 infections.
“We need to reopen our economy and move on.”
However, Shawn Teh, a 31-year-old IT designer, is still concerned about the high number of daily cases across the country and will only go out if necessary.
“I will only go out to buy groceries and will order food via various delivery services.
“I don’t think I will go out more often if Klang Valley moves to Phase Two,” he said.
He added that he was still partly working from home and would rotate with another team each week to go into the office.
PR consultant Katrina Mohd Ashaari, 28, while welcoming the good news is worried about her elderly parents who are currently staying with her in Taman Tun Dr Ismail.
“I really want to dine-in like before and go to the malls, but my situation does not allow it.
“Both my parents are in their late sixties and if anything were to happen to them, I will not be able to forgive myself,” she said.
Self-employed T. Kumar, 25, has no problems going out once Klang Valley has transitioned to Phase 2.
“I think we cannot stay (in Phase One) forever. Businesses need to open and our economy needs to be revived. I will follow all the standard operating procedures when I go out, so there is nothing to be worried about,” he said.
Michelle Tan, a 27-year-old teacher, said it is too soon to transition to Phase Two of the NRP, adding that the transition should only be made after a few more weeks when the number of cases drop.
“We already made painstaking efforts to come this far, we shouldn’t lose the difficult gains we have made. Plus, the number of new infections has barely gone down, so until the healthcare system is in a more stable position, I think holding out a little while longer is better,” she added.
Previously, it was announced that under Phase One areas, all parks would open for jogging, cycling, and exercising with SOP in place, but no crossings of borders were allowed
Under Phase Two of the NRP, inter-district travel will be allowed for fully vaccinated individuals who must show their vaccination digital certificates as evidence.
Married couples who are living long-distance are also allowed to travel across districts and borders.
They must show proof of marriage, digital vaccination certificates, their MyKad and approval letters by the police.
Meanwhile, returning locals and foreigners who are fully vaccinated are also allowed to be quarantined at home. They must show proof of negative Covid-19 tests, and digital vaccination certificates.
Travellers who are not fully vaccinated, however, are required to be quarantined at designated sites by the Health Ministry.
Prayers at mosques and other places of worship are allowed for those who are fully vaccinated, however, all SOP by the local religious department and the National Unity Ministry must be complied with at all times.
Dine-ins at restaurants, club houses, and camp sites as well as picnics at such premises located within the same district, are also allowed for those who are fully vaccinated, subject to SOP by the Health Ministry.
Tourism activities involving hotels and homestays within the same state will also be allowed for those who are fully vaccinated under Phase Two of the NRP.