LUMUT – The Perak government is not rushing to reopen Pulau Pangkor to the public, but is still looking into all possibilities, said Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad.
Saarani said the main benchmark to reopen the tourist destination would be based on the effectiveness of the travel bubble launched in Langkawi since September 16.
“At Pangkor, we have to take into consideration the fishermen, local residents, and traders. We do not want new infections that will cause not only Pulau Pangkor to be placed under the enhanced movement control order, but the whole of Perak as well. That would be unfortunate.
“We have to look at the travel bubble programme being tried out for the first time in Langkawi. We need two weeks to see the bubble’s effects since its launch on September 16. If there are no problems, surely we will allow Pulau Pangkor to be reopened to the public,” he said at a press conference at the Phase 3A Amanjaya Hall here today after visiting the storm-affected areas around Manjung.
On September 12, Perak Housing, Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi said Pulau Pangkor was expected to be reopened from November 1 only to visitors who have been fully vaccinated.
At the press conference, Saarani also stressed that the reopening of the island resort, to be tabled by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, was still subject to the National Security Council’s decision.
He said close monitoring by the authorities was also required at all the resort island’s terminals and jetties.
“We must not forget that there are no flights to Pangkor as there are to Langkawi. This simply means that all visitors can only access the island via ferries and boats. People will crowd the jetties, and if the congestion is not dealt with properly, infections can occur,” he said.
He added that the state government would also open all tourist destinations in Perak if the reopening of Pulau Pangkor does not cause any problems related to the pandemic. – Bernama, September 26, 2021
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