KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Parks is inviting domestic tourists from outside the state to scale Mount Kinabalu in Ranau and dive at the world-renowned Sipadan island, among other activities.
Its director, Dr Maklarin Lakim, said with the announcement by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin that the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) allows for interstate travel starting this Wednesday, Malaysians are free to visit local tourist destinations.
"However, they have to comply with standard operating procedures on entering the state (test negative for Covid-19 prior to flying into Sabah and with no symptoms upon arrival).
"Sabah Parks, which opened all its stations, including Mount Kinabalu on May 16, will also continue to adhere to guidelines set by the Health Ministry, such as social distancing, personal hygiene, among others," he said when contacted by the New Straits Times.
Maklarin added that they will maintain 100 visitors at a time. For six months until November, there will be a 50 per cent discount for conservation fees.
Since the reopening of Mount Kinabalu, 219 climbers were recorded between May 16 and 31, with Kinabalu Park receiving 844 visitors during the same period.
But for Sabah Parks' marine parks, both in Kota Kinabalu and Semporna, Maklarin said fewer tourists were recorded due to the limited number of boat operators open for business.
Sabah Tourist Association chairman Tony Chew said though the marine parks in Kota Kinabalu are open, there are not many tourists going to the islands.
"In a week, there may be two or three days with a maximum of 10 guests, which is why many boat owners are reluctant to resume operations.
"Suria Management reduced its rental fee by 70 per cent for boat owners at Jesselton Point terminal for the past two months, but it has returned to the normal rate this month.
"Hopefully, with the RMCO, where interstate travel is allowed or when Covid-19 is brought under total control, the crowd will return," he said, adding Jesselton Point should also operate a central ticketing counters to eliminate touts that could adversely affect legitimate operators.
Despite that, there are dive operators that have resumed operations, such as Downbelow Dive here, Blue Fin Surf and Dive in Kudat, Pirate Divers in Lahad Datu, and more than 10 others in Semporna among others.
As for hoteliers, including 5-star hotels, they have registered higher occupancy rates with better offers that come with deals such as room discounts, early and late check-ins, and more activities.