Exco calls for balance as Penangites rev up ‘anti-tourism’ campaign

GEORGE TOWN – After seeing myriad comments and memes by local netizens discouraging domestic tourists from coming to Penang, the state’s executive councillor for tourism and creative economy, Yeoh Soon Hin, is appealing for some balance between lives and livelihoods.

Responding to the “anti-tourism” campaign that has gained rapid traction, Yeoh commented that it only demonstrates Penangites’ mindfulness and awareness to remain resilient against the pandemic following the federal government’s decision to reopen interstate borders last Monday. 

He assured that public health and safety will not be compromised as domestic tourism activities resume after a long hiatus.

“We need to look at the flipside of the coin that concerns livelihoods, employment, and businesses that have been greatly impacted ever since the pandemic broke out,” he said.

“Warding off tourists may potentially harm the ecosystem and livelihoods of service sectors that are largely dependent on visitors and tourists.

“A balance between lives and livelihoods can be achieved through strict compliance and enforcement of all parties. Hence, it is crucial for everyone to remain responsible against the virus,” he said.

Yesterday, The Vibes reported on how Penangites have reacted online to the expected huge spike in visitors this weekend.

Some joked that Penang is “closed” as their favourite hawker stalls are not open and there is “nothing new” on the island.

Others were angry about the reopening of state borders – Covid-19 cases in Penang are still high with ICU beds at 83.3%. 

However, the lifting of the restriction on interstate travel for the fully vaccinated has been welcomed by tourism and hospitality operators as a way to accelerate the country’s economy. 

The big winners will be hotels, food and beverage outlets, and sites of attraction that are still recuperating from their losses. It will take some time before they operate and reap revenues at the level they did during pre-pandemic days.

Yeoh said that the state government will emphasise compliance and enforcement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) through constant monitoring by the relevant authorities, including police, Health Ministry, and the Penang Island and Seberang Perai city councils MBPP and MBSP.

On Monday, Yeoh had said that the state is ready to welcome as many as 50,000 visitors this weekend now that state borders are open again.

Penang Mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang has since announced that the MBPP has frozen leave for 78% of its staff in anticipation of the tourist influx.

In ensuring compliance of SOPs among operators, Yeoh and his entourage have visited and inspected a few tourist attractions, hotels, and creative spaces, including Penang Bird Park, The Habitat Penang Hill, Jetty35, Kimberley Hotel Georgetown, The Light Hotel, Tropical Fruit Farm, and Tropical Spice Garden.

Also present during the visits were Tourism, Arts & Culture Ministry Penang director Jonathan Freddy P. Bagang, Association of Tourists Attractions Penang president Ch’ng Huck Theng, and Penang Global Tourism CEO Ooi Chok Yan. – The Vibes, October 13, 2021