LANGKAWI – The Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) has introduced a special compliance certificate for travel trade members, which aims to regulate standard operating procedures (SOPs) here.
Under its Mysafe Langkawi campaign, certification will be accorded to six travel trade segments, namely hospitality properties, food and beverage, homestays, retail, travel agents, and product operators.
Speaking to The Vibes, Lada chief executive officer Nasaruddin Abdul Muttalib said that the certificate is sanctioned by the tourism academy, National Security Council, police, district office, district municipal council, Civil Defence Force, Health Ministry, and Tourism Malaysia.
The terms and conditions for the certificate’s issuance include that all employees must receive two doses of vaccine before they can commence work. Also, each premise or travel agency needs to have at least one worker who has completed the Covid-19 risk assessment certificate coordinated by the Langkawi Tourism Association.
Nasaruddin said that the certification initiative involves 800 participants, all of who have taken part in courses over six batches from July until now.
The course is part of the Langkawi Tourism Recovery Plan, launched by Lada in July.
He hopes everyone will strictly adhere to the plan, as it can inject the necessary confidence into the market once the tourism sector is allowed to reopen next month.
Langkawi is expected to fully welcome back tourists from next month onwards, although Tourism Langkawi president Ahmad Pishol Isahak wants the process to be done gradually, with the view that some enterprises are struggling to cope with the SOPs.
He also said that the SOPs include ensuring that everyone is linked to the MySejahtera app, temperature checkers are available, and general practitioners are accessible nearby.
Pishol said tourists must constantly wear masks, practice social distancing at all tourism locations, including beaches, and practice good hygiene like washing their hands regularly.
Meanwhile, several trade companies have indicated that upon undergoing training at Lada, they are eager and ready to fully welcome all tourists from September 1.
Among the premises required to adopt the certification include Ambong Ambong, Telaga Terrace Seafood Restaurant, Telaga Terrace Hotel, Mega Water Sports, Junglewalla, Langkawi Wildlife Park, and Morac Adventure Park.
The majority of staffers in these establishments have been fully vaccinated. – The Vibes, August 24, 2021
