KOTA KINABALU – Tour and travel bodies in the country have no objections or concerns over the preventive restrictions imposed on tourists from China, as they are needed to curb Covid-19 and to keep the tourism industry active.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang told The Vibes that the duty to curb the virus’ spread comes under the Health Ministry, and Matta is prepared to play its part and work closely to ensure the safety of all Malaysians.
“While we have learnt a bitter lesson the last two years, moving ahead, the government needs to engage with public sector tourism stakeholders on our views, especially since it may involve the implementation of stringent standard operating procedures to protect public health.
“We can start with the business travel and student segment, and adopt a risk-based approach for the leisure segment. We can have various approaches, including those by the United States, India, and other countries,” said Tan, adding that totally suspending Chinese travellers coming to Malaysia may not be in the best interest and inconsistent with current global practices.
Tan also said regular reviews of the procedures were needed.
According to him, 3.1 million Chinese tourists came to Malaysia in 2019 before the pandemic, while 1.38 Malaysians visited China over the same period.
Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents chairman Datuk Seri Winston Liaw, meanwhile, described the idea of totally suspending Chinese travellers as ridiculous, while agreeing it is best to impose measures to curb the spread of the virus.
“We should find ways to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus in the country, not totally block the influx of tourists to the recovering tourism industry, which largely depends on Chinese tourists arrivals to survive.
“For instance, the government should take precautionary steps, such as only accepting tourists who are fully vaccinated and have tested negative within 72 hours prior to boarding the aircraft.
“Upon arrival, tourists should do a self-test for at least three days and send the report to the Health Department. If there is no sudden surge in Covid-19 cases, this measure can be gradually relaxed,” he said.
Sewage on aircraft inbound from China will be tested for Covid-19 as part of Malaysia’s measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus, following Beijing’s move to reopen borders and allow mass travel, the Health Ministry said earlier today.
Those arriving from China at international ports of entry will be screened for fever and asked to self-declare their symptoms while those with symptoms will be referred to quarantine centres or a health facility for further examination and Covid-19 testing, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said in a statement. – The Vibes, December 30, 2022
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