When the government lifted the ban and allowed the domestic tourism industry to operate again, screams of happiness is heard among Malaysian. Kids are especially the happiest.
Well, it is understandable since after three months of literally cramped under the same roof, not a minute to be wasted for the fresh air.
However, this time, there are slight changes. We are more flexible now, but we are still combating COVID-19. As long as the new case is still reported daily, we have not won.
Hence, came along with the announcement are a few standard operating procedures (SOP) that need to be followed by Malaysian in order to control the outbreak.
Thus, a holiday during time like this (especially with children) is full of the new norms.
The Essential Items that You Should Bring Along
Up until today, there is no clue that the vaccine has been found. It looks like it is safe out there, but actually it is not – not until the vaccine is found and Malaysia is free from the virus.
So if you are bringing your children for a holiday, there are a lot of things that need to be considered. First and foremost, gearing up your kids!
Mask
This is a very important thing. Make sure to pack enough masks for the vacation and ensure your kids to wear a suitable kid’s face mask especially at a crowded place.
Choose a suitable and certified mask. You can equip them with the washable mask but ensure to change it right after you finished your visit. Do not re-use unwashed mask!
Hand Sanitizer
Another important gear. Equipped all of your children with a least one hand sanitizer. There are a lot of small and mobile sanitizer in the market now but ensures it contains at least 60% of alcohol.
Remind them to use it frequently especially after they touch any surface. As an addition, train your children to frequently wash their hand and always use the soap.
Disinfectant Wipes
Children love to explore by touch. It is almost impossible to stop them. Always bring a pack of disinfectant wipes with you and clean everything that your children are about to use, for example, the table and chair at the restaurant.
Thermometer
This might not be necessary but a bonus if you could bring one during your holiday. Measure your children temperature frequently to ensure them are all fit for the visiting.
Tips for Parents: Be well planned
When you are having a holiday with children during RMCO, you need to be prepared at least one step ahead.
-
MySejahtera
Government has made it clear for everyone to check in first before entering any premises. Don’t waste your time to jot down the names. Your children might already be running frantically once you are finished.
Instead, download the MySejahtera apps and just scan it before entering. To make it smoother, don’t wait until you are at the front door.
Open the apps when you are still inside the car, take your children out and scan the code and keep your phone back in your pocket. It could save you at least 30 seconds.
-
Learn about the virus beforehand
Protect your children at all time. It is important to bring the kids only to the green zone. Always update yourself with the news of the virus. You can easily get the details through social media or even better from the Ministry of Health official pages.
-
Avoid crowded place
Always take the safety measurement ahead. Though you are in the green zone, you still need to avoid visiting the crowded and confined place.
-
Always practice social distancing
Teach your children the importance of social distancing when you are outdoors. No matter how big or less crowded the place it, always ensure to be at least one meter apart from each other.
-
Use contactless payment
Try to avoid as many contacts as possible. Always prefer to use contactless payment unless the place is not equipped with such facilities. If you have to use physical payment, ensure to wash or sanitize your hand after each transaction.
-
Plan your toilet trip
It is understandable travelling with kids will need a lot of toilet break. However, since the toilet is one of the places that are full of germs and bacteria, try to plan and minimise your toilet trip.
Ideal Activities to Do with the Kids
Bringing the children for a holiday during RMCO needs extra care and thought. Hence, we are providing you with some ideas on what activities you could possibly do with the kids during the break.
1. Jungle trekking
It’s time to bring them back to nature. The jungle is one of the few places that has a big potential to not be crowded.
Find the light trek that is appropriate for your kids. Allow them to explore nature throughout the way. Let them be messy from the mud and see how it could be a fun way to learn.
If you are in doubt on how to do it, read this complete guide to start a jungle trail with children.
2. Barbeque
As some of us are still a little afraid to go out but still want to have fun during the holiday. Having a barbeque night is surely a fun start.
Choose a wide place to have a barbeque where your kids can run and play around. Prepare some tools for them to enjoy the night such as bubbles, balls or water balloons. It is definitely going to be a night they won’t forget.
3. Camping
If you want to try something new during this RMCO, camping does not sound so bad. People usually camp by the beach or river and Malaysia surely has lots of it.
Bring your kids for a camping trip and teach them some fun survival skills. Who knows it could be a family hobby?
During this time where we live with a pandemic virus, obeying the SOP and practising new norm is needed. Do not forget to always wear a mask and sanitise your hand when you are outdoors. Stay safe!