SARAWAK’S Covid-19 infections continue to rise steadily, with 184 new cases reported in the past 24 hours, compared to just 42 on Saturday.

The state disaster management committee said all but three of the cases were mild.

Fifteen districts recorded new cases, the highest of which was in Kuching (79), followed by Miri (39), Sibu (28) and Lundu (10).

However, the rise in cases did not faze Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah as he welcomed the national recovery council’s (NRC) proposed reopening of the country’s international borders by March.

Karim, in a statement, said the reopening will include non-mandatory quarantine for visitors and hasten the country’s national recovery plan, while boosting Sarawak’s 2030 development strategy rolled out by Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg on Monday.

“The suggestions and recommendations made by NRC augur well for the speedy recovery of Malaysia’s various economic sectors, especially the tourism and hospitality industry,” he said.

Karim said Sarawak’s tourism and hospitality industry had lost “billions” of ringgit in the past two years as a result of the travel restrictions and border closures.

He said those billions could have contributed much to the local economy and the livelihood of those working in the downstream industry.

The reopening of the country’s borders to international travellers, he said, “were welcomed by industry players all over”.

“Our people will also gain the benefits simply because there will be jobs creation when the tourism and hospitality sector is on the rebound.

“We are talking about our local folks who are looking forward to serving foreign tourists who are eager to spend their tourism dollars after years of not being able to enjoy travelling and vacationing in holiday destinations such as Sarawak and Malaysia.”

Karim also said there could be a return of the medical tourists.

He said the authorities must “educate and instil awareness” among potential visitors on the need to strictly adhere to all standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the Ministry of Health and the state disaster management committee before any entry application is accepted.

“There must be concerted efforts by the industry players concerned to ensure only fully vaccinated tourists with booster dose where the risks of Covid-19 infections are mitigated and avoided.”

However, Deputy Chief Minister Awang Tengah Ali Hassan was this morning more cautious with the reopening, which he said should be dependent on the latest Covid-19 situation.

He said whatever decision is made, “we do not want the return to the lock down” even if the reopening is good for the state’s tourism and economy.

He said the emphasis should be placed on the safety and health of people. – February 9, 2022.