BUTTERWORTH: With more freedom for the fully vaccinated, a large crowd rose before sunrise to enjoy the scenery and fresh air at Mengkuang Dam.

       A 150m-long queue was spotted from the entrance as the crowd waited patiently to scan their MySejahtera app before entering.

       Among them was engineer Ajeerah Jamil, 32, who brought her five-year-old son Muhammad Ariq Ulwan for a walk.

       “We live in Bandar Perda nearby, and since I’m working from home, we can come here every day.

       “The air is fresh and the scenery is beautiful, plus my son can run on the road without worrying about traffic,” she said.

       Retired school canteen assistant Nor Sanah Ahmad, 54, also brought her children and grandchildren, having last visited the place some 10 years ago.

       “After being stuck at home over a long period, this is a good family get-together,” she said.

       Administration officer Noriza Khalifah, 49, also brought her children there to play.

       “For a few years years, the dam was closed for upgrading.

       “Since it’s a weekend, we decided to come and let the children play,” said Noriza, who was accompanied by her husband Ilias Zainal, 48.

       Meanwhile, Penang health committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin has urged Malaysians to always comply with the standard operating procedure (SOP) when in public.

       “Covid-19 can still infect people in the open. It is good to conduct physical exercises to keep fit, but we need to be considerate of each other.

       “Everyone should wear a face mask. And do not forget to observe physical distancing,” she said.

       The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) which operates the dam has set a limit of 350 people in the area at any one time.

       The dam is open from 7am to 7pm daily.