ALOR STAR – Kedah and Perlis Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) members suffered a RM5 million blow in the two weeks that the enhanced movement control order was imposed on Kota Setar district last month.
The lockdown, in force from September 11 to 25, came as Kedah was struggling with five Covid-19 clusters, the first of which – Sivagangga – emerged after an Indian permanent resident flouted his quarantine order upon returning to the country three months ago.
In a survey of some 100 hotels and resorts in Kedah, including Langkawi, these businesses said the losses were from cancelled bookings and conferences, as well as unrealised food and beverage sales.
The MAH chapter’s chairman, Eugene Dass, said the situation is bleak for hoteliers, but urged Malaysians to remain vigilant as the coronavirus still poses a threat, especially with Sabah infections on the rise.
He expressed disappointment that some quarters are questioning hotels’ hygiene levels.
“Most infections occur outside hotels. Within hotel properties, we have increased our sanitisation standards and taken preventive measures according to the Health Ministry’s recommendations.”
He called on guests to observe physical distancing, wear masks and regularly sanitise their hands.
The slogan “Kita Jaga Kita” must be heeded at all times, he said, adding all that is needed to cripple the industry is one positive case.
“If we do not help one another, we will see cases in all places.”
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) urged Putrajaya to limit public gatherings in view of the spike in infections.
MMA president Dr Subramaniam Muniandy said stringent measures must be implemented to arrest the rise in cases, and that returnees from Sabah should self-isolate for two weeks even if their early test results return negative.
The virus has a 14-day incubation period, and within this window, infected individuals may unknowingly spread the disease to others, he said.
Yesterday, Malaysia recorded 287 fresh Covid-19 cases – its highest-ever daily toll – taking overall infections to 11,771. Of the new cases, 129 are in Kedah, followed by Sabah with 113.
Announcing the latest figures, Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah called for large-scale events and mass gatherings to be postponed. – The Vibes, October 3, 2020
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