Call for more resolute steps

Johor MATTA says checking and recording body temperature and providing hand sanitiser alone not enough to keep travellers safe. — Filepic

JOHOR BARU: Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) will be working closely with the government to implement safe post-Covid-19 domestic travel plans.

Johor Chapter chairman Kenny Ngi Chin Soon said safe standard operating procedures (SOP) for travel must be put in place for travellers, with a strict ban on those showing any symptoms of the virus.

“Merely checking as well as recording body temperature and providing hand sanitiser are not enough.

“We must provide more measures to keep them safe, ” he said.

“We are dealing with something that we cannot see.”

Ngi said the government had done a great job in controlling the spread of the virus.

“However, more needs to be done to help the tourism industry recover.

“In my 37 years of experience in the tourism industry, this is the first time it has come to a stop.

Ngi says recovery will depend on the strength of every industry player and measures taken by the government.

“Its recovery will depend on the strength of every industry player and measures taken by the government.

“In my personal view, this is also the best time for the government to regulate the number of tour agencies operating, as we have too many in a small industry, ” said Ngi.

The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Johor Chapter chairman Ivan Teo said hotels in Johor Baru were very much dependent on tourists from Singapore.

“The green light for interstate travel is good because it will allow holidaymakers to go on domestic travel packages and businessmen to travel, ” he said, hoping the government would give special access for Singaporeans to come into Johor Baru.

“The government can consider opening up to selected countries that are free from Covid-19 infections. This will not only help the hotel industry but tourism on the whole, ” added Teo.

Tourism Johor director Fizwan Rashidi said the tourism industry must take serious measures to recover while observing safety steps.

“The pandemic has hit all hard but it is now time for some pro-active action.

“For now, the interstate travel will help boost domestic tourism, ” he said.