KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism stakeholders and regular travellers are sceptical that the move to allow interstate travel will boost the tourism industry as travel is still subject to tight conditions.
Travel is allowed only among states under the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), such as Perlis, Melaka, Pahang, Terengganu, Sabah, as well as Putrajaya and Labuan, and holiday goers must use tour agencies and tour vehicles registered with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.
Travellers, especially sightseers who prefer to use their own transport, say tour packages and hired vehicles would hamper their travelling style.
Regular traveller Masitah Abdullah said: "It's not flexible. There's no freedom to move around. If we are allowed to drive our cars, we will adhere strictly to the standard operating procedures (SOP).
"Plus, we will not be able to stay at hotels of our choice, like bed and breakfasts.
A solo traveller, who wanted to remain anonymous, said travelling in a packed tour bus instead of a car was more "dangerous".
"Who's to say that travelling by bus is safer? One is at a greater risk of getting infected with Covid-19."
In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Tea Resort general manager Martin Kong said it was more crucial now to allow interdistrict travel instead of interstate travel.
He said some travel companies in the state, especially small ones, had shut down.
He said the requirement to take a Covid-19 swab test before entering Sabah was an obstacle.
"Anyone from Peninsular Malaysia or Sarawak travelling to Sabah must show proof that they have tested negative for Covid-19 within the last three days.
"This requirement won't encourage many visitors from states under the RMCO."
Starting Tuesday, the state government has allowed people to travel interdistrict according to which zone they are in, except Nabawan.
There are six zones. Ranau, Kota Kinabalu, Kota Belud, Tuaran, Penampang, Putatan and Papar are in Zone 1.
Zone 2 comprises Beaufort, Kuala Penyu and Sipitang, while Zone 3 has Kudat, Kota Marudu and Pitas, and Zone 4 comprises Sandakan, Beluran, Kinabatangan and Tongod.
Tawau, Semporna, Lahad Datu, Kunak and Kalabakan are in Zone 5, while Keningau, Tambunan and Tenom are in Zone 6.
"By allowing interdistrict travel beyond current zones, travellers, for instance, from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu can stop at Sabah Tea Restaurant (in Ranau) for lunch. It will mean more customers for hotels in Sabah. It can be a life-saver for those struggling to survive."
Sabah Tourist Association chairman Tony Chew agreed with Kong's statement on the swab test requirement.
"If the swab test requirement is lifted, it will boost the tourism industry."
In Kuantan, Pahang Matta Chapter deputy chairman Chea Sin Cheak said that while the move was a positive sign, it would take time for the industry to get back on track.
"The industry has been hard hit, but now the government has offered some relief."
He said tour and travel agents must not only comply with strict interstate travel conditions, but also think outside the box.
"Tour and travel agencies must meet the needs of all customers.
"Most people, especially the young, prefer to travel on their own, so agents must come up with an attractive holiday plan for them.
"Travel agents have to play the role of travel experts or advisers to connect with clients."
They should introduce tailored packages for the young and senior travellers, he added.
"Those planning to travel to RMCO states can call travel agents and we will look into all travel arrangements, including transportation, accommodation and securing police permits."