JOHOR BARU: The state tourism sector will not face a negative impact following the attack at the Ulu Tiram police station here, say local tourism industry players.
Malaysian Association of Hotel Johor chapter chairman Ivan Teoh said with Malaysia and Singapore school holidays around the corner, hotels here are expecting good bookings, especially from across the Causeway.
“The attack at the Ulu Tiram police station recently is just a one-off incident, which will not have a negative impact on the Johor tourism industry.
“With the Singapore school holidays to start on May 25, which also coincides with Malaysia’s school holidays, we are expecting a good number of people at hotels in Johor,” Teoh said when contacted yesterday.
Asked about tighter security measures taken by Singapore authorities at their border and the rise of Covid-19 cases in the island republic, Teoh said this would not deter Singaporeans from travelling to Johor.
“The reason is that the cost of living in Singapore is very high and Singaporeans want to travel to enjoy themselves in places in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and especially Johor.
“We are also expecting a large number of tourists from China to take advantage of the visa waiver to travel to Johor and stay at the hotels here,” Teoh said.
Johor Tourist Guides Association chairman Jimmy Leong said the attack on the police station on Friday was an isolated case, which would not affect tourist arrivals.
“Malaysian authorities have stated that the attacker was a lone wolf.
“Furthermore, the incident happened in the outskirts of Johor Baru instead of within the city area.
“What is important is for the authorities to continue providing updates on the matter, which will give more clarity on what happened that can ease public concern,” he added.
Leong said despite the incident, no large tourist groups have cancelled their tour bookings, which is good for the tourism industry.
Two policemen were killed while one was injured following an attack by a 21-year-old masked man at the police station.
The attacker was also killed in the pre-dawn incident.
