IPOH: Pangkor Island is not included in the travel bubble announced by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) yesterday as it is yet to meet several set criteria.
Perak Housing, Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohamed Radzi said the state was still collecting data on how many people have been vaccinated on the island.
"I was informed by Motac that Pangkor Island is still one of the destinations that will be included in the travel bubble for domestic tourists.
"However, at the moment, it has yet to meet several criteria set by the ministry. We are working with Motac to ensure the criteria will be fulfilled soon so we can get the green light from the National Security Council (NSC) to be included in the travel bubble," she said.
Nolee Ashilin told reporters this after attending the state executive council (exco) meeting at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan here, today.
It was reported yesterday that Melaka, Genting Highlands and Tioman Island were among destinations after Langkawi that will be opened for domestic tourism soon.
Motac Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the proposal to allow these three destinations to reopen for tourism was raised and agreed during the Covid-19 Quartet Ministers meeting yesterday.
On what are the criteria which have yet to be met, Nolee Ashilin said it included the vaccine rollout on the island as well as the lack of readiness among operators there.
"Among the requirements set by the NSC is the readiness of the operators in the island as well as the vaccination rollout. We must be ready especially at the island entrance to avoid congestion and to conduct Covid-19 screening.
"We also have not received a report on how many people in Pangkor Island have received their vaccination," she added.
Nolee Ashilin said the state would do its best to speed up the matter and fulfil all the required criteria so the island could be included in the travel bubble programme.
On Sept 12, Nolee Ashilin said Pangkor Island was expected to reopen to tourists who are fully vaccinated from Nov 1.
However, she said the decision to reopen was subject to approval from the NSC after all information, requirements and standard operating procedures (SOP) have been tabled by Motac.