KUALA LUMPUR – The tourism sector nationwide is expected to reopen to foreign tourists as early as this December, said Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture (MOTAC) said that the Langkawi Island Pioneer Project which would start on 15 November is currently under the observation of the ministry.
“However, we are ready with the standard operating procedures (SOP). Although we have placed a three-months timeframe, I don’t think it would reach three months. So, I think that we can reopen (to foreign tourists) earlier than that.
“Let’s pray that it can happen soon after 16 November and perhaps, early December. That is not a promise from me, but we will try,” she said during the Dewan Rakyat sitting today, answering the additional question from Karupaiya Mutusami (PH-Padang Serai) who wanted to know the timeframe for the reopening of tourism sector nationwide to the foreign tourists.
Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that the International Travel Bubble for the Langkawi Island Pioneer Project would begin on 15 November under strict SOP.
The target group for the international travel bubble is limited to quality tourists and individuals who have completed the Covid-19 vaccination.
Earlier, Yusuf Abd Wahab (GPS-Tanjong Manis) requested the Minister of MOTAC to state the plan of introducing travel bubble to Sarawak as what was started in Langkawi.
Replying to his question, Nancy said that MOTAC is in its final phase of implementing the preparation of welcoming foreign tourists.
“The Langkawi International Travel Bubble Pioneer Project would become the benchmark to reopen more International Travel Bubbles to other potential destinations, based on the risk assessment by the National Security Council (MKN) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) before they are brought to the Special Committee for the Covid-19 Pandemic Management chaired by the Prime Minister for consideration.
Nancy also told the Dewan Rakyat that more than 100,000 visitors from all over the country have visited the legendary holiday island from 16 September until 15 October since the reopening of Langkawi under the domestic travel bubble pioneer project.
She said, the tourism activities returned active and gave a positive impact, not only to the tourism business entities but also the economic overflow to the chain sector for the local community.
“In making ensuring the success of the pioneer project initiative, the Langkawi Travel Bubble SOP was developed so that we can reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection among the tourists and local residents of Langkawi,” she said. -MalaysiaGazette
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