LANGKAWI – With the reopening of its tourism sector amid the pandemic, Langkawi is looking to ensure fast and efficient processing for a RT-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) Covid-19 tests, with results within 60 minutes of swabbing.
The average wait time for results is 24 hours.
The island can also facilitate up to 15,000 tests daily for the droves of visitors and its residents.
The initiative is thanks to conglomerate Maju Group, whose healthcare division is collaborating with laboratory partner Gribbles Pathology and healthcare services provider Global Doctors.
Maju Group deputy chairman Mohd Faiq Abu Sahid said the tests will be available at a drive-through centre set up near the Langkawi International Airport in Padang Matsirat.
The facility can also serve local residents, but is mostly aimed at travellers arriving in Langkawi under the domestic tourism bubble launched on Thursday.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) is also looking into allowing fully vaccinated foreign tourists but only on chartered flights.
“The drive-through screening service is targeted to be operational next month,” said Faiq yesterday.
Earlier, he gave a briefing to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who lauded the initiative as a value-added concept to protect tourists.
The drive-through test centre, which is fitted with a laboratory, also provides other forms of healthcare testing, such as testing for antibodies.
“The facility is aimed at preventing outbreaks and offers convenience to tourists,” said Faiq.
Meanwhile, the island’s district health officer Dr Mansor Ismail urged all tourists to abide by SOPs, especially on physical distancing, and for each family or group to create their own movement “bubbles” when exploring the island, especially for gatherings and dine-ins.
A total of nine Covid-19 cases have been detected since mandatory testing was implemented on Thursday at all ports of departure for those travelling to the island.
The nine cases were detected through RTK-Ag testing at klia2, the Penang international airport and the Kuala Perlis ferry terminal.
It is learnt that the health authorities are now mulling over whether close contacts of tourists who test positive must also be prevented from entering the island as part of a precautionary measure. – The Vibes, September 18, 2021
