THE National Recovery Council (NRC) has recommended the country to reopen its international borders on March 1 without the need for mandatory quarantine.
NRC chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had on Tuesday announced that the reopening of international borders would help to revive the country’s economy.
Following this, Buletin Mutiara contacted several stakeholders from the tourism industry to get their feedback.
Below are their comments:-
K. Raj Kumar, Malaysian Association of Hotels chairman
“I welcome the reopening of the international border. The hospitality industry together with other related industries also agree with the country’s decision.
“We have to learn to live with Covid-19 as it is going to be around for another five to 10 years and soon it will become a norm for Malaysia.
“As you can see many countries around the world, for instance Australia, have also opened their international borders.
“At this point, we cannot solely depend on the domestic tourism as it will severely affect the country’s economy.
“Most of the Covid-19 cases are of Stage 1 and 2 and maybe we should focus on those who are at Stage 3, 4 and 5.
“The tourists also would have already gotten their vaccination as well as their booster doses. And they would have taken their Covid-19 test prior to coming here.
“They will also need to undergo another Covid-19 test at the airport.
“So, if we were to quarantine them for five to seven days, they would definitely not want it as that would take up the duration of their stay in Malaysia.”
Sundari Naidu, Pearl Star Travel & Tours (M) Sdn Bhd managing director
“As a travel agency, we would definitely welcome the decision made the Malaysian government by offering our customers with safe packages.
“This time, we are going to have more work as the arrangements made for the customers include the safety measures.
“For instance, we must ensure that the hotels that we book for them comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) required.
“Apart from that, each country has their own set of procedures as well. Places like Dubai, Turkey, UK and some of the European countries have also reopened their borders.
“We are unsure how safe it would be but if we do not open the international borders then the livelihoods of those who are in this industry will be affected.
“We will be taking a risk and at the same time it will pose us a lot of challenges as a travel agent. After all, it is up to the customers whether they want to travel or not.
Chng Huck Theng, Association of Tourism Attractions Penang Chairman
“Perhaps we should reopen our international borders as fast as we could as many countries had already reopened theirs.
“So, we must be swift in attracting the international tourists. We must set a clear SOP and let everyone know what are the requirements needed before entering our country.
“The Covid-19 situation will soon become a norm to all of us.
Ashwin Gunasekaran, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau chief executive officer
“It is good that the borders will be opened as business event could be held globally. The majority of the other countries have also reopened their international borders.
“The most important thing is to follow the SOPs as well as the guidelines set, such as getting fully vaccinated and having undergone proper screenings.
“It will help to restore the country’s economy and the people’s livelihoods as well.”
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis & courtesy of interviewees