GEORGE TOWN: Malaysians living in Hong Kong feel safe from the Covid-19 pandemic and hope that everyone back home will sign up for vaccination and quickly get their jabs.

       Malaysian Foo Suan Chit, 61, a bank officer, said he and his family are in safe hands and are fully vaccinated.

       “Data has proven that those who are vaccinated are unlikely to suffer serious effects or death from Covid-19.

       “I have not been back to Malaysia for one and a half years and I really look forward to it when the borders are opened again for travelling,” he said.

       He said that in Hong Kong, positive cases are now mostly imported.

       “All citizens in the city are generally well disciplined and most large companies still encourage their staff to work from home.

       “There are still standard operating procedures (SOP) imposed by the government such as only four people being allowed at a restaurant table,” he said.

       Ng Chee Peng, a retired treasurer who has resided in Hong Kong for more than 30 years, said many companies there have chipped in to help motivate people to get vaccinated.

       “The companies give out attractive lucky draw prizes to encourage people to get their jabs and there has been a surge in registration,” he said.

       Developers in Hong Kong recently put forward a HK$21.6mil (RM11.5mil) flat unit of 449sq ft as a lucky draw prize for everyone who is fully vaccinated by Sept 1 to win.

       There are also thousands of flight tickets, shopping e-coupons, train passes, hotel staycations, Visa and Mastercard credits, smartphones and one electric car to be won by those who are vaccinated within a certain time.

       High school student Low Wei Han, 18, said he is now able to go to school, eat out and hit the gym.

       “Nightlife is opening up here, though exclusively for the vaccinated,” he said.

       Low said he worries for his grandparents, relatives and friends in Malaysia.

       “I’ve been slowly hearing about more and more people in Malaysia, whom we once knew, catching the virus and dying. It makes me anxious for my loved ones,” he said.

       Company director Chaang Tuck Loong, 57, said although physical distancing is hard to observe in Hong Kong due to the ultra-high population density, people are conscious not to pack into crowds.

       “We are almost back to normal and we are allowed to carry out outdoor activities such as swimming, cycling, hiking, jogging and brisk walking.

       “But there are a few activities that are still not allowed, such as BBQ parties,” he said in a phone interview.

       Chaang said his family members in Hong Kong are all vaccinated.

       “That is the only effective way to protect yourself and also be a responsible member in the community.

       “We have been away from Malaysia for more than a year. We miss our home, our family members and friends.

       “We are worried about the situation in Malaysia and we hope all Malaysians will sign up for vaccination,” he said.

       Covid-19 vaccines used in Hong Kong include CoronaVac by Sinovac Biotech, and Comirnaty (by Pfizer-BioNTech).

       Since the pandemic started, Hong Kong’s cumulative cases stand at 11,906 with 210 deaths.