Visitors shopping for clothes and other items at Pasar Besar Kedai Payang. — Bernama
KUALA TERENGGANU: Tourist destinations around Terengganu seem to come “alive” again after the arrival of tourists following the relaxation of restrictions on interstate and inter-district travel since Dec 7.
Locations such as Pasar Besar Kedai Payang here as well as Pantai Mengabang Telipot and Pantai Teluk Ketapang in Kuala Nerus received a relatively unusual number of tourists compared to before.
Some eateries selling various types of seafood such as squid dipped in flour had to open earlier than usual (3pm) because many customers had started queuing from 2pm.
A tourist, Zaemah Jamaludin, 37, from Pahang said the easing of state cross-border travel allowed her to return to her village in Kuala Nerus to visit her parents and enjoy her favourite food.
She acknowledged that permitting interstate and inter-district travel was the best opportunity for families to travel after months of not being able to do so.
Mohamed Rizuan Zainal Abidin, 49, from Sepang, Selangor who was at Pasar Besar Kedai Payang said to reduce the risk of infection, he often reminded his family members to comply with the standard operating procedure (SOP).
“I and 12 family members including my children, wife and mother-in-law have long wanted to travel to Terengganu but the plan was delayed when the movement control order (MCO) was enforced in March.
“Terengganu is the third destination we have visited. Before this, we have been to Melaka and Genting Highlands in Pahang. Although we have to comply with the SOP, it is still fun visiting many interesting places, ” he said.
Some tourists from the red zone also admitted that they had complied with the directives set by the Terengganu state Health Department and contacted the District Health Office to enable the Covid-19 risk assessment to be conducted.
Abdullah Said, 42, from Negri Sembilan said he and five other family members had filled out special forms and undergone screening before visiting any tourist locations.
“Although it takes time, it is one of the best measures for us and others.
“These measures are to be commended because it makes us feel safer, ” said Abdullah who will be in Terengganu for five days.
Terengganu Health director Dr Nor Azimi Yunus said the special measures were to prevent the spread of Covid-19 following the lifting of the restriction on inter-state and inter-district travel.
Dr Nor Azimi said those entering Terengganu are advised to contact the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre or District Health Office operations room for a risk assessment and subsequent action.
“We have a declaration form that has to be filled, ” she added. — Bernama
Those entering Terengganu are advised to contact the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre or District Health Office operations room for a risk assessment and subsequent action.
Dr Nor Azimi Yunus
Did you find this article insightful?
82% readers found this article insightful
