Decision to relax swab tests for vaccinated visitors is timely, will create spin-off effect, says MATTA president

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism players have welcomed the Sabah government’s decision to lift the required Covid-19 tests for fully-vaccinated visitors to the state.

MATTA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the announcement was timely especially during the MATTA Fair period as it would create enthusiasm for tour operators to market Sabah as a prime destination.

"Surely, both business and leisure travellers will definitely welcome this. It is very good for tourism and will create a spin-off effect, with hotels, the transportation sector, and restaurants all filling up, " he said

"The Sabah Chief Minister has been very proactive, and he sees the necessity to really move tourism and boost up the arrival (of tourists)," Tan added when met at the 49th Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair held at World Trade Centre here Saturday (Nov 20).

Earlier today, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced Sabah will allow fully-vaccinated visitors to enter the state without swab tests starting December.

He added that Sabah is fully prepared to welcome international arrivals as soon as Malaysia reopens its borders next year.

With international borders reopening, Tan said the tourism industry anticipates the establishment of more vaccinated travel lanes (VTLs) or similar clear mechanisms with other countries to welcome international tourists.

"Our closest neighbour Singapore already has VTL arrangements with 15 countries and will add another six countries to that list by December 6, 2021 (which includes countries from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America)

"As such, we urge the government to quickly establish more VTLs or travel bubbles to capture the pent-up demand, especially during upcoming the holiday season. “Other popular tourist destinations, such as Kota Kinabalu and Penang, should not be overlooked in addition to Langkawi," he said.

The first day of the MATTA Fair saw people flocking to the World Trade Centre to get information on the many best travel deals offered at 255 booths.

Named as “Malaysia’s Favourite Destination”, Sabah has the largest state pavilion with 12 booths in place, where the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) and its exhibitors will promote and market a variety of attractive offerings.

Hajiji, who launched the Fair, was accompanied by Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin and his Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai as well as Sabah Special Tasks Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif among others.

Bangkuai, who chairs STB, encouraged people to take advantage of the travel fair to explore Sabah even more, now that the Covid-19 swab test is being phased out.

"We are aware that the swab test requirement has been a hindrance for individuals, particularly those travelling with family, who want to visit Sabah.

"Travelling has now been made easier, and now is the time for everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to begin planning a trip to the Land Below The Wind, where many adventures await," he said.