Get ready to start operating again, watch SOPs, tourism industry told

KUALA LUMPUR – The Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry called on tourism and cultural industry players to make initial preparations in terms of standard operating procedures and new norms ahead of the country’s plans to enter its endemic phase for Covid-19. 

Its minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said in a statement that the call for early preparations is in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s announcement yesterday that the government will allow interstate travel and reopen tourism spots once the country’s vaccination rate hits 90%. 

Nancy also urged the people to make full use of the flexibility given, adding that this was also an opportunity for tourism industry players to revive economic activities. 

“Continue adhering to SOPs and participate in activities responsibly to protect ourselves from Covid-19,” she said. 

She also reminded all parties to work together to ensure the tourism and cultural industry thrives again.

Nancy said the ministry welcomed the prime minister’s announcement yesterday, adding that it was a positive indication that the tourism industry was on its way to full recovery, propelled by domestic tourism activities. 

She thanked the prime minister and cabinet for their strong support in ensuring the industry gets back on its feet, in line with the Tourism Recovery Plan drafted in July last year as a measure to revive the country’s tourism and cultural industry. 

Nancy said with tourism activities revived, employment and income issues for those in this industry chain who had been severely affected over the past year due to the pandemic would be overcome.

The Special Committee on Pandemic Management yesterday agreed to allow the opening of tourism destinations as well as interstate travel when the country’s adult population vaccination rate reaches 90%. 

Apart from that, Ismail Sabri also announced that the operations of spa, health (wellness), and massage centres will also be allowed for customers and operators who have been fully vaccinated from October 1.

Tourism centres and activities such as zoos, farms, aquariums, snorkeling, scuba diving, angling, and forest parks will be allowed to operate in all phases of the National Recovery Plan effective October 1 for all operators and visitors who have completed their vaccinations, he added. – Bernama, September 23, 2021