Tourism players: Covid-19 updates are easily misconstrued

PETALING JAYA: The authorities’ intention in keeping the people informed of the country’s Covid-19 status may be noble but they should also consider how quick information is shared and possibly misconstrued on social media, say tourism players.

They said the timing and manner of the communication should be properly handled to prevent unnecessary fear.

Their comments come following the Dec 24 statement by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who lambasted Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad for his announcement on the surge in Covid-19 cases, saying that it could create “unreasonable fear and public anxiety” and affect the economy and tourism.

Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (Mita) president Mint Leong said more than 30% of China tours to Malaysia had been cancelled so far following “wrongful reports.”

“These tours were booked for the year-end travel period right up to Chinese New Year. We are worried that if this goes on, it might affect more chartered flights to Malaysia,” she said.

She claimed that Dr Dzulkefly’s recent press conference had drawn much attention in the region, with some online media in China having mislabelled Malaysia as “unsafe” for travel because of high Covid-19 cases and tourists having to quarantine for five days.

“It is disheartening to see all these untrue claims going viral among Chinese nationals,” she said when contacted.

Leong urged the government to disseminate more positive updates about public health and less on the Covid-19 figures.

“We are also working with our tour and agency partners overseas to help explain that our situation is very much under control and Malaysia is a safe place for visitors,” she added.

She also suggested the government call for a press conference with international media coverage to allay fears and concerns.

Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association president Paul Paw said, “being too transparent could cause worries and scare away the tourists.”

“It’s hard to get them back,” he said.

He added that other countries in the region such as Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia had taken a different approach without highlighting their rising Covid-19 figures.

Malaysian Tourism Federation president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the people had learned to live with Covid-19 over the last three years, and tourism bookings were looking up with many eager to travel.

“Any drastic action taken by the heath authorities will affect the tourism industry,” he said.

Tan said it was important that tourists and Malaysians mask up and ensure proper personal hygiene when on holiday.

“Prevention is better than cure. Let’s do our part to prevent a further spread (of the virus),” he said.

In a recent press conference, Dr Dzulkefly said Covid-19 cases had increased by 29.5% between Dec 17 and 22, to 22,413 infections compared to 17,307 cases the previous week, but maintained that Malaysia would not re-impose any movement restrictions as the situation was under control and Health Ministry services were not strained.

Following Tiong’s statement, Dr Dzulkefly said the number of Covid-19 cases would drop in January as the current Covid-19 situation was being monitored and reminded those who were symptomatic and in crowded places to wear masks and be mindful of personal hygiene.

Meanwhile, public health experts have come out in defence of Dzulkefly’s move, calling it “the right and responsible thing to do”.

Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz said the Health Ministry should be commended for its transparency and handling of the situation, noting that there were currently no restrictions on tourists coming to Malaysia but only precautions being taken, as done in many other countries, which included stepping up surveillance efforts.

Malaysia taking precautions was what tourists would want to hear to feel safe, she added.