LANGKAWI – The business community here has mooted incentives in a bid for the island to become the first in the country to achieve herd immunity against Covid-19 by September.
Langkawi Business Association deputy president Datuk Issac Alexander told The Vibes that the proposed incentives include stays at five-star hotels with dining privileges and yacht cruises around its 99 surrounding islands.
It is applicable to those who get vaccinated from now until September.
There could also be lucky draws and shopping deals, said Issac.
He said the district has an estimated population of 100,000 above the age of 18.
“If we vaccinate up to 1,000 persons daily from now, there is a chance that we can achieve the required herd immunity by September, which involves 80% of the population.”
Issac said it is imperative that Langkawi, as a prime tourist destination, achieves herd immunity to spur its economic recovery.
Echoing predictions that the travel sector will see a rebound only in the next three years, he said there is a need to recalibrate the industry to meet the expectations and needs of domestic tourism before international travel can resume.
“Before we can do it, the island must contain the virus. We must show to the world that Langkawi is ready to welcome tourists.”
At present, the district has about 70 active Covid-19 cases.
Health authorities led by Dr Mansor Ismail have ramped up vaccinations in the past few weeks with support from Langkawi MP Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, both of whom have spoken repeatedly about the importance of getting the jab, said Issac.
Earlier, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who oversees the national vaccine roll-out, spoke about establishing a travel bubble around Langkawi by first inoculating the majority of the island’s residents.
“We’re thinking of doing that in Langkawi, and of course, the requirements are not just people who are vaccinated coming into Langkawi, but the health director-general said you must make sure that everyone in Langkawi is vaccinated as well.”
A similar model has been mooted for Thailand’s Phuket.
Tourism is an important contributor to the economies of both Malaysia and Thailand. – The Vibes, May 26, 2021
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