LANGKAWI – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad wants all tourists to the island here to be tested for Covid-19, as the holiday destination prepares to welcome visitors on Thursday.
The Langkawi MP said testing should be part of the standard operating procedures so as to safeguard locals and visitors.
“I think mandatory testing on arrival at the entry point is necessary as a precautionary measure,” he said in response to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri’s statement that no screening is required for visitors, who must be fully vaccinated.
Former deputy tourism minister Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said not conducting tests on tourists is a wrong move.
“The ministry needs to learn from Sarawak. Despite having the highest vaccination rate in the country, Sarawak’s Covid-19 cases are still among the highest. Please review the SOPs and require screening for tourists entering Langkawi.”
The call for tourists to be tested was earlier made by Tourism Langkawi chairman Ahmad Pishol Ishak, who said Langkawi’s reopening under the tourism bubble programme must be accompanied by strict SOPs to prevent coronavirus clusters.
“Although some quarters may dislike strict SOPs, for now, they are essential in view of Langkawi and the country continuing to register a substantial number of cases.”
Earlier, district health officer Dr Mansor Ismail said tourists must abide by health and safety rules, such as wearing a mask, observing physical distancing and practising good hygiene, even if they are fully inoculated against Covid-19.
Langkawi Business Association deputy president Datuk Issac Alexander said the group fully supports tourism authorities on the island’s reopening, but also hopes the SOPs are strictly enforced.
“Tourists must know that this is being done for their own good. They should abide by the guidelines instead of trying to undermine them.”
He also expressed hope that the authorities monitoring the ferry service to Langkawi ensure physical distancing by reducing the passenger load and increasing trip frequency. – The Vibes, September 14, 2021
