KUALA LUMPUR – Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has urged tourists to exercise caution ahead of the reopening of Langkawi as a holiday destination on September 16.
In a tweet by the Health Ministry, Dr Noor Hisham was quoted as requesting tourists’ cooperation to comply with the standard operating procedures.
This is to ensure there is no coronavirus spike on the island, he said.
“As we try to balance lives and livelihoods, let’s ensure there are no infections while we holiday.”
@DGHisham mohon kerjasama bakal pelancong ke Langkawi untuk patuhi SOP setiap masa bagi elak peningkatan kes COVID di pulau itu.
— KKMalaysia?? (@KKMPutrajaya) September 12, 2021
"Tatkala kita cuba mengimbangi di antara nyawa dengan kelangsungan hidup dan ekonomi, marilah kita bersama-sama memastikan tiada peningkatan pic.twitter.com/a7J2x9KYuB
Meanwhile, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin tweeted a reminder that travellers from other states heading to Langkawi by land will need police letters to cross state lines and roadblocks, while those making the trip by air do not need such permits.
Bagi program perintis pelancongan ‘travel bubble’ Langkawi: Hanya pelancong yang menggunakan pengangkutan darat dari luar negeri sahaja diperlukan mendapat surat dari PDRM bagi tujuan rentas negeri dan SJR. Pelancong yang menggunakan pesawat udara tidak perlu surat polis.
— Khairy Jamaluddin ??? (@Khairykj) September 12, 2021
The ministry said it is prepared for a sudden surge in cases, and has increased the number of beds in intensive care units and taken other measures.
It has also set a threshold with regard to the hospitalisation rate as an indicator that proactive steps should be taken.
On September 2, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that Langkawi has been chosen for Malaysia’s first travel bubble programme.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri has said only the fully vaccinated are allowed to visit the island, and a police permit is required. – The Vibes, September 12, 2021
