Businesses making sure everything in order for influx of tourists

LANGKAWI: Several business operators here are unsure if they can cope with the influx of tourists expected to visit the island when it reopens soon.

Duty-free shop operator in Kuah, Loke Cheng See, fears he may not have enough time to restock his products.

Loke said most business operators, especially grocery and sundry shop operators, may not be ready with their stock as these supplies come from the mainland.

He added the opening up of Langkawi is good but stressed that it should not be at the expense of the safety and health of the locals.

“There must be strong enforcement, otherwise we will become like Phuket,” he said, referring to the island in Thailand which had opened last year, only to be closed again after the emergence of Covid-19 infections there.

Car rental operator Zulkifli Mohamad, 36, said more than 90% of businesses were dependent on tourism activities.

Zulkifli said he had been checking the condition of his cars to make sure they were in working condition when the island opened its door to visitors.

“I will also be re-employing former staff members,” he said, adding that he will be sanitising all his rental cars in Kuah and Pantai Cenang.

Food operator Mohd Faizy Said, 52, said he would ensure all his workers were fully vaccinated before the business reopens.

Mohd Faizy urged tourists coming to the island to be aware of the SOP and strictly follow them.

Burger seller Mohd Zamri Zaiton, 53, said that although he is happy with Langkawi opening up for tourists, as a small-time trader, he was affected by the escalating price of raw materials.

“Nevertheless, I am thankful Langkawi can finally open. I look forward to continuing my business as usual,” he added.

Aloft Langkawi general manager Ammar Kevin Eu said the hoteliers had been adapting and evolving by taking standards for hygiene and cleanliness very seriously.

“We will continuously take steps to ensure the safety of our guests and associates,” he said.

He said the hotel has a responsibility to ensure that the government and health authorities’ SOP was put in place and adhered to.

Motel operator Athirah Abdul Nasir said every industry player must remain cautious with the possibility of Covid-19 cases spiking if the SOP is not adhered to.

Athirah said as a responsible operator, she has done her part by sanitising all the motel’s rooms and equipment to welcome their customers when it reopens on Sept 16.

She added that all her staff had been fully vaccinated.