ALOR SETAR: Tourism players in Langkawi lauded the government's decision to drop the mandatory Covid-19 test for inbound travellers but stressed that other existing health protocols for visitors would not be compromised.
In welcoming the Health Ministry's decision, Kedah/Perlis chapter of Malaysian Hoteliers Association (MHA) vice-chairman Razmi Rahmat said the move would further boost Langkawi's tourism sector.
Although Covid-19 screening – enforced since Sept 16, is no longer mandatory, Razmi said the association members would not let their guard down.
"The decision to drop Covid-19 test requirement is very much welcomed as it would help attract more visitors to Langkawi.
"Nevertheless, Kedah/Perlis MHA members will continue to observe other existing SOPs stringently because we can't risk having a new cluster in Langkawi following the reopening of state borders," he said when contacted.
Ramzi said since the country just entered the infant stage of inter-state travel, it is paramount for everyone to remain vigilant and continue observing SOPs.
"MAH members will make sure all existing SOPs such as verifying guests have completed their vaccination, body temperature checks upon arrival, wearing face masks, observing physical distancing and so on," he said.
He also urged travellers to observe SOPs while travelling to the island, while cautioning that hoteliers have the right to turn down guests flagged as being high-risk on the MySejahtera application.
"We are obliged to protect the safety of our guests and staff from being exposed to the virus," he said.
Ramzi added that as a precaution, a number of five star hotels in Langkawi are also offering Covid-19 self-tests to their guests - although it is not mandatory, and also conducting weekly Covid-19 screening for their staff.
"We are grateful that most Malaysians are well aware on their responsibility in observing the SOP, we must work together to make this inter-state travel safe for everyone," he said.
Meanwhile, Langkawi Ferry Line Ventures Consortium operations and human resources manager Capt Baharin Baharom said the company was prepared to increase the frequency of ferries from Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis to Langkawi.
"We expect the number of visitors to Langkawi to further increase following the government's decision to drop mandatory Covid-19 screening.
"We will gradually increase the ferry trip frequency based on demand and we are gearing up to return to the 10 daily ferry trips to Langkawi once inbound traffic improves," he told NST.
Yesterday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced that the government had decided to drop the mandatory Covid-19 testing for travellers going to Langkawi effective immediately.
Khairy, in a statement said the decision was in line with the government's move to allow interstate travel since Monday.
However, Khairy said as a measure to strengthen public healthcare, tourists are encouraged to conduct a Covid-19 self-test before embarking on a trip to Langkawi and all adult tourists must complete their Covid-19 vaccinations.