KOTA KINABALU: Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has called on the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) to not risk Malaysian lives in ensuring the success of the Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign.
He said this in light of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) outbreak.
Referring to news reports that some operators temporarily closed their doors to tourists following the spread of the virus, Joniston said it was appalling that the ministry had urged tourism players to do otherwise.
Yesterday, Tourism Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi lambasted popular tourist sites namely the Putra Mosque in Putrajaya and Masjid Negara in Kuala Lumpur for barring foreign tourists.
Mohamaddin had said foreign tourists who were allowed to be in the country have been confirmed to be clear of the virus, adding the ministry would write to operators of these attraction spots to allow people to visit these places.
“Nobody expects Mohammadin to be an expert on the virus but it is unacceptable that as a federal minister, he is not keeping abreast with the development of the coronavirus outbreak.
“It appears that Mohammadin is not aware of the latest news on the nature of the virus, its mutation, suspected mode of transmission and risk factors,” said Joniston in a statement.
The former Sabah Tourism Board chairman said it was also appalling that Mohamaddin had not only displayed his lack of knowledge and information on this crisis, but also his approach in handling the situation.
“He has misplaced priorities, putting tourists first and Malaysians second. He should not conveniently disregard the genuine fear and concerns among Malaysians over the coronavirus outbreak.
“We do not comprehend why the government is taking such a risk with a ticking time bomb. While we understand the government’s determination to make Visit Malaysia 2020 a success, it should not be done at the expense of the people’s lives.”
Joniston, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) information chief, said while the experts did not know the exact mode of transmission, there were concerns that the virus could be transmitted by those who have yet to show symptoms of illness.
Earlier today, Mohamaddin announced that Motac has set up a Tourism Recovery Committee to monitor the latest development of the coronavirus outbreak.
The committee is aimed at providing advice and clarification to all tourists on steps that need to be taken as recommended by the Health Ministry to prevent infection during their stay in the country, among others.