On Sunday (Aug 8) the government had announced that there will be an ease of restrictions for fully vaccinated Malaysians in phase 2 and 3 states.

The announcement was under doubt as citizens questioned if the move was made too prematurely ahead of schools reopening.

Daniel Jeremiah, a foundation student in Kedah, believed the decision was made poorly as Covid cases continue to surge.

He said that dining-in still poses a risk of infection as vaccinated people are still getting infected.

Health Director-General, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham revealed that from July 26 to August 8, 45,015 (18.1%) cases were from vaccinated individuals.

Daniel added, “I would constantly be on guard. If one of my family members went out, I definitely would be paranoid because I know what is happening out there and how easy the virus can be transmitted.”

Eunice Choo, a primary school teacher, shared similar thoughts about the permitted dineins.

She stated that because students are not vaccinated, it sets up a huge risk for the students. With such a decision, parents will not have the full confidence to send their children to school.

However, Mary Philomena Nunis, a Selangor citizen, saw the move as a positive progression out of the pandemic.

She said that although she will be wary, she found comfort in the decision.

To her, it showed that more people are getting vaccinated and the government trusts that the vaccine works in a mobile society.

She believed that the only way for the economy to move forward is by increasing vaccination rates.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE