IPOH: After 19 months of closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism activities in Temenggor Lake, Gerik, located some 170 kilometres away from here, have finally reopened today.
Tourism Perak Management Berhad, in a statement, said the reopening of the sector would bring a ray of hope to houseboat operators and indirectly help to boost the economy of the local community.
However, it said the relaxation for tourism activities is subject to several conditions that need to be adhered to by houseboat operators, in addition to the standard operating procedures (SOP) stipulated by the National Security Council.
"Among the requirement is that any houseboat operators who wanted to resume operation need to register with the Hulu Perak District and Land Office and the Fisheries Department," the statement read.
It added that disinfection and sanitation works should be carried out three times a day during operation hours, especially at public areas such as surau, restrooms, storeroom and counters, and all quarters are required to observe other SOPs including physical distance and wearing face masks during activities.
According to Tourism Perak Management Berhad, overnight stays in houseboats were also allowed for three days and two nights, provided that the boat is within the area of the Royal Belum State Park.
"The maximum number of passengers in a boat, including the helmsman, should not exceed 50 per cent of the original capacity and only individuals aged 18 to 60 are allowed to participate in the activities," it said.
Meanwhile, it said visitors and tourism product operators who wish to enter the Royal Belum State Park are required to follow the SOP set by the Perak State Parks Corporation including no overnight stays for fishing activities and to only accept visitors from Perak.
"Operators and visitors who have been fully vaccinated are required to present their Covid-19 vaccination certificate and permit application forms.
"The boat passenger capacity is 50 per cent of the original capacity while visits to the Orang Asli villages are not allowed," it said, adding that the SOP was subject to changes announced by the government. – BERNAMA