KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism players are seeking a sit-down with the Health Ministry to discuss the protocols needed to prepare for an influx of Chinese tourists and avoid a Covid-19 surge.
They said while the return of tourists from China will provide a much-needed boost to the tourism industry, precautions have to be taken to prevent a rise in Covid-19 infections.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the government had yet to engage tourism players.
"The lockdowns of the past have left us all with a bitter lesson. While we welcome tourists, there is also a need to be cautious to prevent any significant rise in the number of Covid cases.
"Matta is willing to talk with the government as we are sure that the Health Ministry will have a better insight and information on the Covid-19 situation.
"We also hope that the wishes of public stakeholders will be taken into account as well," he told the New Straits Times.
Tan said the safety of Malaysian travellers should also be taken into consideration.
"The Health Ministry must be mindful and ensure that Malaysian travellers to China are protected, and it must take precautionary measures when allowing Chinese tourists into Malaysia.
"We should not let our guard down and must strengthen our safety protocols.
"The year 2023 should not be a year for us to suffer another round of lockdowns or worse."
Malaysian Association of Hotels President Datin Christina Toh said the hotel industry welcomed tourist arrivals, but was also keeping a close eye on current Covid-19 trends.
"I don't see the risk of hotels shutting down based on a few factors. The global vaccination rate teaching its maximum and everyone is guided by strict standard operating procedures.
"How we handle tourist arrivals would not differ, regardless of which country they are from.
"The current spread rate is high and China has a very big population, which is why the cases are more noticeable. So, we still need to stay alert," she said.
She said the hotel industry was recovering well and was receiving more domestic travellers.
"There are more arrivals than expected, which is encouraging.
"Hotels are prepared to handle the surge of foreign travellers, from business events and medical tourism to leisure travel."
Toh said the association was open to a discussion with the Health Ministry on safety measures.