Zika does not prevent people from holidaying overseas

While many people are worried about the spread of the zika virus, most city dwellers believe that the disease will not affect them especially in planning their vacation abroad.

Many feel that thorough planning including getting information on the virus can help them to avoid infection.

An observation by Bernama at the three-day Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents Fair 2016 (Matta Fair) which ended at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), here yesterday found that many people were still interested in obtaining the cheap tour package offered.

A visitor, Nurul Awanis Abdul Wahid, 46, said although many might be afraid to go on tour due to the spread of the disease in several countries, it did not stop her and family from planning to go abroad for a vacation.

"If we want to have a vacation abroad, we will try to refer to the Health Ministry beforehand on the measures to be taken," she told Bernama.

For Eizza Athirah Shamsol Akmal, 17, her plan to holiday in Hong Kong with her family at the end of the year would proceed as planned.

"Our family had planned to spend the holidays visiting places of attraction such as Disneyland and waited for the Matta Fair to check on the best price and package. For me, the zika virus is not an issue as long as we take precautionary measures," she said.

Sarah Liyana Abu Hassan, 26, meanwhile felt that the public should not panic but should instead find out more information on the virus before deciding to holiday in any destination.

"If possible, avoid from holidaying in countries where the zika virus had spread widely, but personally, I feel it is not as worrying as the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) previously," said Sarah Liyana who had just returned from a vacation in Singapore.