KOTA KINABALU – Sabah could take a step back from reopening its domestic tourism circuit given the higher number of Covid-19 infections despite relaxed restrictions under Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) applied to the state.
Tourism players have expressed genuine concern following surging infections with many still unprepared to welcome visitors given that a lot of their workers are still not yet immunised.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai told The Vibes, that it seems like Sabah is not ready for a restart of its domestic tourism industry.
“Not just yet. But for now, we may consider a travel bubble,” he said.
A travel bubble allows Sabah to initiate exclusive travel plans for visitors between states or countries.
Sabah had initiated a travel bubble with Singapore, but the plan seems to have been cut off due to the infections spike in the country.
The federal government had proposed the reopening of domestic tourism for states under Phase 2 of the NRP, only allowing those who have completed their vaccination to go for holidays.
Tourism is one of the major contributors of revenue for Sabah, raking in over RM2 billion before the pandemic hit the country.
Over 70% of this was generated from domestic tourists especially those from Peninsular Malaysia.
However, Bangkuai noted the state government’s decision for a travel bubble or to reopen domestic tourism will eventually come when “a clearer picture” of the situation is seen.
Bangkuai’s view may refer to the number of infections and the regulations set by the authorities on the matter.
Meanwhile, Kinabatangan Corridor of Life tourism operators’ association leader Alexander Yee believes the move to reopen domestic tourism is a rescue act for many ailing companies.
“Domestic tourism is allowed not because the virus is under control, but for economic needs.
“Companies have taken a huge hit financially due to the pandemic-induced lockdowns,” he said.
Yee who is also the owner of Bilit Nature Lodge noted that Kinabatangan’s nature scene is not a major market for domestic tourists but rather foreign tourists. He also felt that the reopening of the sector will aid operators in the vicinity.
“However, the opening of tourism for Malaysians is still a positive step,” he said.
Sandakan Tourism Association president Teo Chee Kim however expressed concern over his unvaccinated staff, which may pose a problem for him if the state government decides to reopen domestic tourism.
“We have been collaborating closely with the district health department, to get our staff vaccinated.
“At present, around 80% of our staff have been vaccinated with at least a single dose,” he added. – The Vibes, August 12, 2021.
Additional reporting by Rebecca Chong
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