KUALA LUMPUR: The coronavirus outbreak in China will not have a huge impact on international tourist flow to Malaysia, particularly Chinese tourists, over the Lunar New Year holiday.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the outbreak was largely contained within Wuhan and the Health Ministry had taken the necessary precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus into Malaysia.
“Therefore, it does not significantly affect tourist arrivals to Malaysia over Chinese New Year and Visit Malaysia Year 2020 because no coronavirus cases have been detected in Malaysia.
“So far, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not recommended travel restrictions and authorities everywhere are proactive and on high alert,” he told the New Straits Times today.
Tan said airlines will continue to fly to and fro China and will only ground their flights following travel advisory from the government, should there be any.
“So far, airlines are relying on the Health Ministry and WHO for guidance on how to respond to this matter.
“MATTA believes they are in regular communication with the authorities and will follow any recommendation that applies to their operation.
“Action will be taken if it is no longer safe to fly or if passengers have been advised otherwise.”
Tan said travellers who have made prior arrangements to travel may continue to do so, however, they are advised to take extra precautionary measures such as wearing face masks and observing high standards of hygiene.
They may also consult their physician for the seasonal flu vaccination, he added.
“Meanwhile, individuals who have been visiting China recently and are having fever, cold or any related symptoms are advised to visit the nearest hospital for health screenings.
“Malaysians are to be reminded that only the Health Ministry is responsible for coordinating the data and providing updates on the influenza outbreak in the country, which has nothing to do with the Wuhan virus, and is on high alert at all border checkpoints.
“Industry players are encouraged to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautionary measures. MATTA will work closely with the authorities to ensure correct information is related to both trade and travellers.”
The Wall Street Journal on Jan 20, however, reported that most Chinese nationals have chosen to stay closer to home and postpone travel plans amid fear of contracting coronavirus-related illnesses.
The new-found virus, which can be spread from human-to-human, has caused alarm because of genetic similarities to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) that had killed nearly 650 people across mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003.
The Chinese government announced it was classifying the outbreak in the same category as SARS, which meant compulsory isolation of those diagnosed with the virus.
The WHO, to date, has not recommended trade or travel restrictions, but such measures could be raised following the emergency meeting today.
It was reported that airports across the region as well as the United States, Australia, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Russia, Italy, South Korea and Singapore have tightened screening of travellers from Wuhan and high-risk areas in China.
North Korea is set to impose temporary ban on the entry of foreign tourists to counter the spread of the virus.