Theme parks can now open, but no water-based activities please

GEORGE TOWN: Theme parks in Penang can now open under the recovery movement control order (MCO) but no water-based activities would be allowed, says Penang tourism, arts, culture and heritage committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin (pic).

In a statement on Thursday (June 11), he said the Top@Komtar and Escape Adventureplay could now operate, but water-based attractions such as Escape Waterplay were still barred.

Aside from theme parks, Yeoh said people would also be able to resume art, music and dance classes, as well as patronise cybercafes.

However, they must abide by the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the National Security Council and local authorities, including social distancing, the wearing of masks, the use of hand sanitisers and crowd control.

Operators must also clean and sanitise their premises before reopening.

Yeoh said he had raised the matter during the recent state exco meeting and wrote to the National Security Council (NSC) for confirmation.

He added that public swimming pools, including those in condominiums, must stay closed for now.

As for clubhouses, he said operators would need to justify the kinds of activities planned for their premises.

He said mass gatherings of any kind remain restricted by the NSC.