KUANTAN – Tourism operators in Tioman Island are ready to comply with standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the government and National Security Council (NSC) to enable them to receive visitors again.
They also hoped that there would be “no last-minute cancellation surprises” as tour operators only have about two more months to do business before the arrival of the monsoon season in December, during which no ferry operations will be allowed.
Juara Mutiara Resort owner Shahrol Hazri Sani, 45, said their inquiry and reservation counters have been flooded with calls since yesterday, with people wanting to make room reservations or inquire about prices and activities offered.
“This is a relief for us as we have been badly affected since last year. In fact, this is the first time we have been tested so badly after 30 years of operations. We had to temporarily lay off workers as we were not able to pay the salaries of all 20 staff members.
“Since the reopening announcement, I started contacting former employees to offer them work again. The return of tourists not only helps resort owners or operators, but also locals as we all depend on the tourism industry,” he said.
Shahrol Hazri said currently, they are awaiting the release of SOPs from the authorities, especially the NSC, so that preparations can be made before tourists arrive.
On Tuesday, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri had announced that Tioman is among three new destinations that will be allowed to operate under the country’s tourism bubbles.
The other two locations are Genting Highlands and Melaka.
Yesterday, Pahang Tourism, Culture, Environment, Plantation and Commodity Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin also confirmed that Tioman is ready to open its doors as it has achieved herd immunity since July, and a Tioman task force has been created in preparation of returning tourists.
B&J Diving Centre employee Hayati Hassan, 28, who operates in Air Batang, said during the non-operation period, they had online promotions, with customers able to redeem their packages once the island received the go-ahead to resume operations.
“So far, we have received many calls from those who want to use the promotion for October, including promotions for diving licence lessons. In fact, many customers still make reservations because Tioman Island is one of the most popular locations for diving.
“As for SOP compliance, we have no problems because all equipment is washed after use and this time around, we have added a sanitising process. In addition, we are setting the condition that the same equipment should be used by a customer from the first to the last day the person is here,” he added.
Salang Pusaka Resort director Abdul Khalid Mohamad, 65, said compliance with SOPs is a priority for all tour operators in Tioman as they do not want the spread of Covid-19 to force them to stop operations again before the monsoon season begins.
“We also have families here, so we definitely don’t want them to be infected either. We can help reduce the number of boat passengers or carry out sanitation but cooperation from tourists is also expected,” he said.
Khalid also hoped the government will help reduce the ferry fare to the island, said to be about RM50 per person for a one-way trip, as this will attract more locals to choose Tioman as a tourist destination, especially families and large groups. – Bernama, September 23, 2021
