Disclaimer: This piece reflects the writer’s opinion and compiled opinions of others on the subject matter. It does not reflect the opinions or beliefs of WORLD OF BUZZ.
Whenever Covid-19 cases go up, we go into lockdown. Not because we actually want to, but because the government says so and puts up all kinds of restrictions to ensure that we don’t unnecessarily go loitering about in public.
To avoid getting fined or getting sent to jail, most individuals living in Malaysia who don’t need to go out have stayed at home (sort of), whether they like it or not, which begs the question: Do Malaysians stay home because they HAVE to, or because they actually UNDERSTAND the science and logic behind keeping themselves protected from Covid-19?
Ever since the Klang Valley transitioned into Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), many economic sectors have reopened and fully vaccinated individuals have been given the freedom to visit shopping malls, go for picnics at waterfalls and even watch a movie at the cinema.
But even though standard operating procedures (SOP) have been implemented, it is not surprising to see massive crowds gathering at popular locations as if Covid-19 doesn’t exist, which is alarming for many others who have done their best to stay home to keep the virus at bay.
Massive crowd at Sungai Pisang waterfall
Yes, all these activities are allowed for fully vaccinated individuals only, and we all know that vaccines lower the risk of hospitalisation or death, but aren’t these people afraid of Covid-19 which has taken the lives of over 23,000 people in Malaysia? And now with the Delta variant spreading in the community, it is so much easier for someone to get infected in a shorter amount of time.
Over the past week, we conducted a mini-survey and asked several netizens for their opinions on whether Malaysians stay home because they HAVE to or because they UNDERSTAND why they have to. Here are some of their responses:
Some say that people believe they can do what they like after getting vaccinated.
“I believe most educated individuals understand the science behind it, and the reason behind it. However, the majority aren’t as educated as we expect or hope them to be, thus thinking they are vaccinated they get to do what they like, without comprehending the ramifications of their actions.” -A
“Honestly I think it’s not the lack of knowledge regarding staying at home. It’s the perception that having both vaccine doses makes them immune to Covid-19, hence them doing stupid things.” -S
Crowds in Mid Valley shopping mall
Others say that people are aware of the consequences but just need a little “fresh air”.
“Maybe some of us need a breath of fresh air since we have been home for too long. But that doesn’t mean we can go out as if the virus isn’t there anymore. Some don’t wear masks/no distancing as seen in pictures.” -C
“I think they are both aware and yet tired of life just being put on pause for so long, that their “ah f**k it” mentality is just a little bit more than their “I don’t want to die and kill the people around me” mentality. -L
“It’s a combination of both. But after being locked down with no results to show for, people don’t see the point of staying home anymore I feel.” -J
Crowds in Sunway Pyramid shopping mall
Some say that Malaysians go out due to the relaxed SOPs, while others say that people go out because they see others go out.
“In my opinion, I think Malaysians are merely staying at home because they don’t want to kena saman. I also think that it’s not that they don’t understand but they don’t care, you know? Like they are ignorant, and yes it’s a wrong motivational drive (saman) but at least people stay in because of it, and this ignorance is obviously because people do not even think twice before flooding public places.” -S
“People stay home because others stay home. Now they see people go out, they also follow.” -K
“I think many stayed home previously because of the FMCO. Since government SOPs have relaxed, many people are now going out because they feel that they can finally have the freedom to do what they want to do again.” -AL
Some say that people think they are exempted from getting infected with Covid-19.
“I think Malaysians can grasp the science, they just don’t think it’ll happen to them.” -T
“Ignorance is bliss.” -CL
For illustration purposes only
At the end of the day, Covid-19 will never not exist within the community and we should not expect the country to be free of the virus for a very long time. We should understand that the government has reopened the economic and tourism sectors for the sake of the economy as we simply cannot stay in lockdown forever.
Nevertheless, we should not forget that we still have to play our part in keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe. Covid-19 is still very real and is taking the lives of hundreds of people in Malaysia every day. We can prevent that from happening to us if we follow the standard operating procedures and just be vigilant when we’re out.
There’s also nothing wrong with going out but please do so with precaution. You don’t have to go where the crowds are and put yourselves at a bigger risk of contracting the virus, whether you are fully vaccinated or not.
If everyone has the same mentality of just being careful and having self-restraint when we’re out in public, maybe we will begin to see an even greater improvement in the Covid-19 situation in the country.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below!
Also read: Survey Shows Malaysians Don’t Really Care About Climate Change, Ranks Last Among 28 Countries
