The idea of Malaysia fully opening its borders is bittersweet for Kee Lee Li. It has been almost two years since the country restricted international tourist arrivals to combat Covid-19.
Since then, Kee, 30, has left her old job at a travel agency specialising in inbound tours for a new career in a different field.
“It was difficult for the company to sustain during the movement control order period as international arrivals were barred,” the former tour leader said.
“While I loved working in the travel sector, it was difficult to make ends meet during that time. I was fortunate to find a new opportunity. Some of my former colleagues decided to stay put at the travel agency and took a pay cut. But it looks like things might be better (for travel) soon,” she said.
Kee was referring to the proposal by the National Recovery Council (NRC) to fully open Malaysia’s borders as early as March 1.NRC chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had proposed that the nation’s borders fully open without the need for mandatory quarantine.
Visitors entering Malaysia would only need to undergo Covid-19 poly-merase chain reaction (PCR) tests before, and right after arriving into the country as recommended by the Health Ministry.
The Health Ministry had also been tasked to prepare guidelines for border reopening.
Meanwhile, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said discussions with the tourism ministries in other countries had been part of her ministry’s ongoing efforts.
Based on the success of the Langkawi travel bubble, Nancy said the ministry “already has the confidence for the country’s borders to be reopened”.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaacob has also assured that the country will soon reopen its borders to ease the process of travelling. He noted the importance of reopening borders to revitalise the country’s tourism industry.
“As such, we will reopen it. Restrictions on people’s movement have (had) a huge impact on everyone,” he added.
Malaysia’s tourism sector, which relies heavily on international visitors, contributed RM80bil annually in revenue before the pandemic.
Bold step forward
If anything, local tourism stakeholders say it is high time Malaysia reopens it borders to fully vaccinated tourists and other visitors.
A bold approach is needed to revive the Covid-19-battered tourism sector, says Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang.
“There is no ‘one size fits all’ policy but the NRC proposal (to reopen borders as early as March 1) is regarded as the appropriate decision under the current circumstances. We need to be bold and take this as a calculated move based on medical science and a risk-based approach,” he said.
“Britain, Europe and several ASEAN countries have adopted more liberal travel conditions as they ease their borders to welcome international travellers.
“It is time for us to fully open our borders too considering the high number of vaccinated citizens, including those that have taken the booster shot,” he said.
Tan added that he is aware of reservations by certain quarters, but tourism businesses are at a losing end.
“Armchair consultants and government officers may decide otherwise (on the need to fully open borders). But tourism businesses and workers are in financial distress.
“Tourism is one of the major sources of the economy and provides a large component of Malaysia’s GDP and a key backer to Malaysian employment,” he explained.
The government, Tan said, can implement a clear roadmap for the reopening of the international borders. For example, borders could be reopened in stages according to a region of countries.
“The reopening of international borders will revive the tourism sector and turn it into a vibrant economic sector. (It can revive) other businesses involved in the industry, and bring back employment opportunities for the people, too.
“Matta has been saying earlier on many occasions that we need international tourists (to enter) into our country. Domestic tourism alone cannot sustain the industry,” Tan said.
He highlighted that the revival of international tourism will ultimately revive the country’s ailing economy too.
“Our current economic situation is bad. We need tourists to come to our country. Tourism is an important industry for Malaysia and an important tool for economic development.
“On that note, the government should adopt the correct strategy to boost and revitalise our country’s economy,” Tan said.Proceed with caution
With Covid-19 gradually moving to the endemic stage, many tourism experts have called for the easing of travel restrictions. The World Health Organisation (WHO) even stressed that restrictions on travel are not effective in suppressing the international spread of the virus.
The reopening of international borders, however, should not be done hastily, says Asean Tourism Research Association (ATRA) president Prof Dr Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan.
“While we take cognisance of the importance in reopening the borders, we may need to take a cautious approach in doing so by balancing the need for a good health protocol at the point of entry,” said Prof Neethiahnanthan who is also the executive dean at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management in Taylor’s University.
“The notion of health and safety should be given paramount considerations to assure trust among foreign visitors and build confidence in local community that reopening our borders is a safe and prudent action to balance between lives and livelihoods,” he added.
“Perhaps more emphasis should be given on making it mandatory to engage local travel agents or tour operators for their travel and tour plans. This includes the hiring of licensed tour guides and chartering of tour coaches.
“This requirement will allay the fear of safety and health risks within the community as it would be the responsibility of the travel agents and tour operators to ensure compliance to local SOP by the vaccinated tourist groups and in return boost the tourism industry,” he explained.Challenging road ahead
Even when the country finally reopens its borders, tourism stakeholders need to allay fears of travelling amid Covid-19.
Prof Neethiahnanthan foresees that the aforementioned could be a likely scenario.
“International travel will only pick up gradually as travellers are still more cautious amid the pandemic. I am not very optimistic on the pace of the travel rebound given there are still negative Covid-19-related developments around the world,” he said.
However, the academic said there’s opportunity to address this travel hesitancy.
“This is in fact an opportunity for the Malaysian travel and tourism industry as we are well-placed to capitalise on the market given Malaysia’s track record on our immunisation rate,” he explained.
The country’s strong immunisation rate, coupled with solid healthcare facilities, are strong assets for the tourism industry in the near future.
“It builds trusts and will allow international tourists to choose Malaysia as their top choice destination,” Prof Neethiahnanthan said.
But the truth is it will still be a rocky road ahead for the tourism sector in Malaysia, even with the reopening of borders.
“Among other challenges that we foresee externally are the issues on strict travel regulations, limited frequency of airlines to attract certain market segments, and high flight charges.
“Internally we could face issues related to limited tourism products and services given the lack of labour due to the financial crisis and most hospitality and tourism businesses are SME (Small and Medium Enterprises) which have gone through a volatile period during the crisis or have shut down operations,” said Prof Neethiahnanthan.
Another challenge is in the Covid-19 testing, which might deter travellers. Most countries are introducing quarantine-free travel now, but a negative Covid-19 test result is still required before departure and upon arrival.
While the requirement works as a precautionary measure, AirAsia Malaysia chief executive officer Riad Asmat said it can be a costly affair for travellers.
“A key issue is the cost for PCR tests at some ports and the requirement for a number of tests for each person travelling.
“The tests can cost as much as or even more than the cost of the AirAsia airfare on a Kuala Lumpur to Singapore flight, for example. This additional cost and administrative burden is a key issue limiting consumer demand,” he said.
“Removing quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated international travellers and standardising health procedures and requirements across Asean will also provide a welcome boost,” Riad said.
For now, tourism players in the country need to start making preparations to receive tourists again.
“The hospitality and tourism stakeholders especially the hotel and F&B sectors would need to raise standards and sort out its manpower issues. Travel and tour operators and agents need to start drawing up their tour products and services, especially more innovative ones unlike the pre-pandemic era with clear safety and health protocols.
“On the ground readiness is crucial in ensuring we reboot the tourism sector on the right path amid great optimism,” Prof Neethiah-nanthan concluded.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
