MALAYSIA has welcomed more than one million tourists since its borders reopened on April 1, more than half of the targeted two million set by the government this year, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Nancy Shukri.

She said most are from Singapore, but travellers from Iran, Japan and South Korea are also expected.

“We have received 600,000 tourists from Singapore in the past two months alone. I believe that we have surpassed one million tourists from Singapore,” Nancy told a media conference in Shah Alam, Selangor, today.

“There are travellers from other countries, too, but we are unable to provide accurate numbers as we are still awaiting feedback.

“But suffice to say, we have achieved more than half of our target.”

She said the country’s tourist-friendly Covid-19 standard operating procedures are attractive to travellers.

“People like our health guidelines as there is no mandatory quarantine, screening or insurance. It is up to tourists to do so.”

However, the tourism industry is still struggling due to staff shortage, she added.

“Some hotel workers are afraid to return to work due to the uncertainty, so there might be another closure.”

Nancy said her ministry has not received any confirmation of hotels forced to close due to pandemic-induced impact.

But some are temporarily shut for renovation and some are being repurposed, she added. – Bernama, June 4, 2022.