THE Sarawak tourism industry is heaving a sigh of relief after the state lifted all restrictions on the tour and travel sector.

“A welcome news”, was the immediate reaction of both the Sarawak Tourist Federation (STF) president Audrey Wan Ullok and chairman of Sarawak chapter of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta), Linda Tsen.

The restrictions will be lifted beginning Friday when the state transitions into phase 3 of the Covid-19 National Recovery Plan (NRP).

Eight districts in the south of the state – Kuching, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Asajaya, Simunjan, Serian and Tebedu – which had seen some of the highest number of Covid-19 infections, will move to phase 3.

“Although I do not think the influx of tourist arrivals will happen overnight, (well) at least this (news) is extremely encouraging for the industry, which has been starved of tourist arrivals for the past 18 plus months,” Ullok said.

STF is the umbrella organisation for all the various associations in the industry.

Ullok said with most, if not all, the people in the industry vaccinated, there is more confidence and optimism in reopening the industry in a safe environment.

The tourism industry is one of the worst hit economic sectors with many travel agencies reportedly having to close for good, while experienced tour guides moved on to doing other work to eke out a living.

“Many agencies and guides have already given up. They (guides) could not wait for things to pick up.

“I hope there will be enough guides available and travel agencies to welcome new arrivals,” Ullok said.

Tsen, meanwhile, said as long as industry players follow the standard operating procedure (SOP) laid down by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee, “tour activities and life” can go on together.

Sarawak has also partially lifted the flight frequency it allows airlines to fly into the state.

State Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin yesterday said the frequency will be increased to 87 flights weekly from the current 22 from Friday.

Lee said his ministry will meet with representatives of all the airlines and aviation authorities, such as the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom), the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), the federal Transport Ministry, Civil Defence Department, and from the Resident Offices to iron out the details on the new flight schedule.

Apart from the tourism industry, the state has also allowed betting and gaming outlets, spas, wellness and reflexology centres, beauty salons, cyber cafes, toy shops, snooker and billiard rooms, and prawn fishing centres to reopen.

Gymnasiums, dance studios and swimming pools are also reopened. – September 28, 2021.