Proof of vaccination a must at hotels

HOTELS in the central region of Sarawak will soon receive only guests who have been vaccinated, a move aimed at safeguarding the hotels and protecting their guests against Covid-19.

Sarawak Central Region Hotel Association vice-chairman Lang Jai Lee said a similar policy had been implemented for staff as a requirement before they could report for work.

“Under the new normal, we have no choice but to tell our staff that they have to be inoculated against Covid-19, otherwise they cannot work in the hotel industry,” he said.

As a result of such a strict ruling, he said almost all hotel staff had received the Covid-19 vaccine.

Those who have not are those who have medical problems such as allergy issues.

However, he believes this group of employees would agree to get vaccinated soon.

“Guests, be it diners or those taking the rooms, will have to either show their MySejahtera digital vaccination certificate or vaccination card before they can check in to the hotel.

“The local council implemented such a ruling for the Sibu Central Market on Aug 1 and we will follow suit,” he said, adding that those who could not show proof of vaccination would be turned away.

Lang said the ruling was necessary to prevent hotels suffering further if they were required to close for up to 14 days should a guest be found to be Covid-19-positive.

“Hotels in the region have been closed for more than one year because of the pandemic and though some have been used as quarantine centres, most hotels are suffering.

“We cannot afford to have another closure if a positive case among guests is detected,” he said.

On the state entering Phase Three of the National Recovery Plan except the southern region of Kuching, Serian, Bau and Samarahan, he said the industry would slowly pick up once everyone was on the road to recovery.