TOURIST attractions in Penang are ready to reopen by following strict standard operating procedures (SOPs).
The Association of Tourist Attractions Penang (ATAP) fully welcomed the announcement by the Federal Government to implement its recovery movement control order (RMCO) beginning June 10.
ATAP chairman Ch’ng Huck Theng lauded the Federal Government’s move to gradually reopen various sectors in the country.
“We are happy with the announcement and we are awaiting the nod from the Penang government.
“All of us are ever ready to operate after months of preparation.
“We strongly believe the 60 members of ATAP will adhere to the SOPs.
“Penang needs to get the ball rolling by allowing our tourist attractions to operate as we might lose out our influx of tourists if other states proceed ahead from us.
“However, we understand the efforts taken by the state government to make sure everything is safe before making the next move.
“Out of respect, we are waiting for Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow’s announcement,” he told a press conference at Ghee Hiang, Beach Street today.
An announcement is expected to be made tomorrow (June 9) after a meeting between the state government and the state’s Special Security Committee.
State Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, who was present, noted the preparations by tourism players to get ready for the reopening of their businesses.
He believed they are professionals and would be strictly following the SOPs.
“They are all capable of ensuring the guidelines are followed,” he said.
Yeoh added that the state would also promote ‘responsible tourism’ when domestic tourism reopens.
“Penang may be the first destination to advocate the concept of ‘responsible tourism’ to be integrated into the travel and tourism industry at this pandemic time,” he said, adding that it was about making a better place for people to live in and visit.
It requires operators, hoteliers, government agencies, local people and tourists to take responsibility to ensure tourism remains sustainable.
Also present were ATAP secretary Joseph Goh and ATAP treasurer Allen Tan.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi