LANGKAWI – The tourism industry here has demanded that the National Security Council (NSC) make public its standard operating procedures (SOPs) on the reopening of the travel and tourism sector, particularly for the resorts located on the island.
Tourism Langkawi chairman Ahmad Pishol Isahak told The Vibes that there should be SOPs to govern all the players and the various services they provide, ranging from transportation to accommodation and tourist attractions, to curricular activities and food outlets.
He said that these SOPs must also apply to any online-related services such as food deliveries as a measure to safeguard the island’s community as well as their visitors from Covid-19.
It is even more critical, Pishol said, seeing that it is only 12 short days away to September 16, when the island’s tourism sector will be officially opened once again, especially seeing that there are also calls to reopen close-proximity personal services such as reflexology massages.
“The most important aspect in the reopening of tourism are the SOPs because the safety and security of tourists and travel trade employees is paramount in light of the threat posed by Covid-19.
“I think to avoid major outbreaks, RTK-Ag tests must also be made available at all points of entry, including the international airport at Padang Matsirat. That way, tourists can get immediately tested upon arrival,” said Pishol.
He added that specific quarantine stations to house Covid-19 patients detected on arrival should be set up.
The island’s tourism chief also urged for clear SOPs for ferry services to limit passenger loads and observe proper social distancing.
“This will send a clear message to the travel trade community that the authorities are serious about upholding the SOPs, but the authorities must also provide incentives to lure visitors,” said Pishol.
Currently, those fully vaccinated can partake in tourism activities as of September 16 with Langkawi being listed as one of the models for the country’s gradual reopening of the leisure sector.
According to the island’s district health officer Dr Mansor Ismail, up to 86% of those registered under MySejahtera have been fully vaccinated as of now.
However, joy at the prospect of the island’s reopening has been dulled, seeing that there still are 1,003 active cases in Langkawi, with 79 new cases announced yesterday.
New infections have reportedly soared in Malaysia despite containment and vaccination measures, hitting a record 24,599 in a single day last month, turning the country into a Covid-19 regional hotspot.
In a related development, Langkawi Businesses Association deputy president Datuk Issac Alexander said he was informed that the SOPs are being fine-tuned.
He expects them to be unveiled soon, once the Langkawi Development Authority provides its input. – The Vibes, September 5, 2021
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