THE government must not delay issuing standard operating procedure (SOP) for the tourism and hospitality sector following the lifting of the interstate travel ban from tomorrow, tourism industry stakeholders said today.

They also hoped the reopening of state borders would result in an economic spurt for the tourism sector.

Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association president Emmy Suraya Hussein said the SOP was needed to ensure the smooth operation of hotel and tourism activities. 

She also requested the government, especially the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, to quickly resolve any other potential threats as the industry aims for recovery.

“The hotel industry is still in need of assistance to ensure business continuity and the lifting of the ban will only contribute a small increase to the industry’s recovery efforts,” she said in a statement. 

She reminded hoteliers to ensure that the SOP is strictly adhered to and avoid any action under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).

She also asked travellers to not violate any rules set by the relevant agencies that will cause both parties to be involved in legal action. 

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob today announced that fully vaccinated Malaysians can start interstate travel without having to apply for permission from the authorities from tomorrow onwards.

Malaysians are also free to travel overseas to any country without needing to apply for MyTravelPass from the Immigration Department anymore.

This relaxation of travel restrictions comes after 90% of the adult population have been fully vaccinated

In response to the announcement, other businesses in the industry expressed hope for the growth of domestic tourism. 

Hotelier OYO said all of their partner hotels (storefronts) are open and ready to serve holidaymakers. 

Tan Ming Luk, vice president of OYO Malaysia and Singapore, said personnel in OYO partner hotels are fully vaccinated. 

He added that OYO is planning a stronger recovery in this endemic rebuilding phase and looking forward to when the country opens its borders further to welcome international travellers.

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president Tan Kok Liang told The Malaysian Insight that it is checking to see which countries are open for Malaysians to travel overseas, adding that essential and business travel will be the priority. 

Car rental company Socar and car-sharing platform provider Trevo also released a statement following the news as they expect an increase in demand for land transport.

Socar chief executive officer Leon Foong, representing both companies, said: “If the pattern of demand in other countries is anything to go by, we are looking at a rapid spike in demand.

“We are currently working on building up a reliable supply base as we reopen for interstate travel.”

He said that those who do not own cars may be concerned about exposing themselves and their family to possible infection when travelling with other commuters on public transport. 

Foong believes the sharing economy can fill the gap by offering Malaysians access to private cars on a temporary basis. – October 10, 2021.