KUANTAN: Popular tourist attractions across Pahang that ended up becoming "ghost towns" due to the inter-district and interstate travel travel ban since Jan 22 are expected to be bustling with activities again this weekend.
The green light for inter-district travel starting tomorrow will allow highlands, eco-tourism destinations, beaches and national parks across the state to return to life.
State Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin said people have been eagerly waiting to leave their homes for an outing to clear their minds or to go on a short vacation after spending long hours at home due to the Movement Control Order (MCO).
"Famous attractions like Cameron Highlands, Cherating, Genting Highlands and shopping malls can expect an influx of visitors. Most hotels and resorts will offer special packages and discounts so people will certainly seize the opportunity to travel," he said when contacted.
Sharkar however reminded all quarters, including businesses and holidaymakers to comply with the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the Health Ministry.
"Wearing face masks, temperature checks and checking in via MySejahtera are compulsory, and everyone has an important role to play. The government has been lenient (allowing inter-district travel) so everyone has to be responsible.
"Scanning the MySejahtera application is the only reference to track close contacts in case of any active cases; so do not take things lightly.
"Hoteliers, resort and business operators must do the necessary to ensure visitors' safety during their stay," he said, adding the tourism sector had implemented additional SOP apart from the ones introduced by the government.
Sharkar said the already hard-hit tourism industry cannot afford to have another round of MCO or else businesses will be forced to shut down or may end up in bankruptcy.
Meanwhile, Kuala Tahan Village Development and Safety Committee secretary Sabri Abdullah said some resorts in Taman Negara in Jerantut have received enquiries from people living in Lipis and Kuantan.
"It is something rather than nothing (inter-district allowed) as this will be a good start to revive domestic tourism. It has been quite slow (activities) in Kuala Tahan, but now at least people from other districts have started to make plans to travel here," he said.