LETTERS: The decision to reopen Langkawi for tourism is being questioned by a few groups, even though it can benefit many people.
The Terengganu executive councillor for tourism said Redang, Kapas and Tenggol, and Tasik Kenyir were ready to receive state visitors this month.
Pulau Perhentian is the only one that will not be opened yet due to increasing Covid-19 cases.
Those who have completed their vaccination can travel in Terengganu and must behave responsibly.
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation has emphasised on restarting tourism with strict standard operating procedures (SOP). This emphasis can be applied to us too.
One of the rules is that those who have completed their vaccination can visit Langkawi.
For the reopening, about 80 per cent of island residents have been vaccinated, reaching the requirement for the opening of the social sector.
However, the tourism industry has been unable to reopen due to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases.
The Kedah menteri besar said the new date for Langkawi's reopening is Sept 16. However, an SOP guide has yet to be released for the opening of this sector.
Completion of vaccination is important to restart the tourism sector. The Health Ministry said vaccination reduced the possibility of hospitalisations and deaths by Covid-19.
The health minister said the pandemic would become endemic after Malaysia reached an 80 per cent vaccination rate, and people would need to live with the new normal.
Malaysia is expected to reach herd immunity next month, so managing the pandemic will depend on vaccine supplies.
A strict SOP is required for tourism destinations that are ready to serve tourists. Wearing face masks, constant sanitisation and avoiding crowded areas, confined spaces and being too close to others are vital.
Travellers must follow guidelines to ensure their safety and that of others.
Technology will also ensure that travellers have updated information about destinations and virus risks.
Mobile applications, especially MySejahtera and those for e-hailing, e-payment and e-reservation, are important for information gathering, especially to reduce uncertainty and risk.
Dr Maisarah Abd Hamid
Faculty of Hotel and Tourism Management, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Terengganu Branch
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times