They said the National Recovery Council’s advice to open the international borders was a positive step.
Datuk Tan Kok Liang, Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents president, explained that this was based on the high vaccination rate of Malaysia, the public health infrastructure’s aptitude to administer the disaster, and a clear direction towards endemicity.
“As proven the world over, the containment of Covid-19 goes beyond lockdowns, movement control orders and mobility restrictions.”
“A holistic approach, taking into consideration economic activities for the wellbeing of the people, must now be a priority.”
Tan mentioned that as more and more countries had reopened their borders without inflicting severe quarantine rules, it only seemed fair for Malaysia to follow the same move.
“The reopening will not only boost the tourism sector but also other related sectors.”
“We acknowledge and laud the medical services provided by our front liners, and while public health is of paramount importance, we cannot keep maintaining this (strict) approach.”
He stated that the tourism industry was moving into its third year of financial suffering without having a clear roadmap for recovery by the government.
“It will be disastrous if the government continues to ignore a vital component of the economy, which in the past contributed RM89.4 billion in foreign tourism receipts.”
Tags: Malaysia tourism, Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents
