IN view of the country’s border reopening to international and local travellers beginning tomorrow (April 1), some of the Penangites are still adopting a wait-and-see approach after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
They are putting their travel plans on hold during this transitioning period that allows international and local travellers to travel vice-versa, with certain regulations that must be adhered to.
The Federal Government had recently announced that the country would be transitioning to the endemic phase starting tomorrow.
Direct sales distributor Alex Tan, 39, said he was pleased with the Government’s decision to give the green light for the borders’ reopening.
“It’s a timely boost, but I am not planning to travel abroad now due to the financial impact of the pandemic.
“Some may be looking forward to a vacation with their families and loved ones, but I will instead focus on my business path at this juncture.
“My business has been dealt a severe blow previously, and I am using this time to gradually pick up.
“Travelling is now not my priority. I believe many of us have been devastated by the previous lockdowns and restrictions,” he said when asked by Buletin Mutiara for his feedback.
Chew Kok Rui, 30, said he would also defer his travel plan although the country’s international borders would reopen tomorrow.
“I believe that we need to fork out additional costs, which include insurance premiums, PCR tests, and other miscellaneous expenses.
“It will also be a complicated process for travellers since traveling procedures have been changed compared to pre-pandemic.
“Hence, I prefer to wait until after March next year to resume travelling. I plan to visit Japan or Taiwan,” he quipped.
Human Resources (HR) administrative assistant Tan Hwee Ven, 24, said he was nevertheless looking forward to her maiden trip abroad to Taiwan, possibly next year.
“I have always desired to travel abroad ever since I was small, and I hope to save up this year so that I can travel next year.
“It is alright for us to travel as long as we adhere to the necessary standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“Hopefully, the pandemic situation will keep on improving after this,” she said.
Shum Jian Wei, 31, meanwhile, has purchased his flight ticket to Bangkok a few days ago.
“My trip to Bangkok will be in August this year as I have planned it earlier before the pandemic.
“I will spend three days and two nights in Bangkok, and I will undergo self-test before travelling for safety reason,” he added.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix courtesy of interviewees