KOTA KINABALU: With new life adjustments that come with the Covid-19 pandemic, many in Sabah will rely on their experience in overcoming past challenges.
Creative ideas, determination, patience and prayers are the new routine in facing the anticipated economic gloom as the country continues the Movement Control Order (MCO) until May 12 and figure out its next course of action.
Sabah tourism grew by nearly four folds in the last two decades, having recorded some 1.1 million arrivals in 2002 to 4.1 million last year.
All these were achieved despite obstacles such as the kidnappings by armed terrorists from southern Philippines over the years, the Lahad Datu intrusion in 2013 and the earthquake in 2015.
Nationwide, over a million may lose their income in the tourism industry because of the pandemic as revealed by the Tourism, Arts and Culture ministry, but giving up is the last thing in the minds of key players in the tourism sector in Sabah.
When the Lahad Datu intrusion by the Sulu terrorists from southern Philippines sparked a threat to the nation's sovereignty in 2013, more than 5,000 people were displaced.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment assistant minister, Assafal Alian, was the community chief of Tanjung Labian then, one of the village zones infiltrated by terrorists and involved in firearm battle.
"There are some similarities between armed intrusion and Covid-19. During the intrusion, I instructed all affected villagers to evacuate their homes and stay put at halls designated for evacuation.
"They were not allowed to leave or return home to facilitate the security control operation in order to ensure no untoward incidents, among villagers.
"Daily essential supplies from governments, non-governmental organisations (NGO) and individuals were sent to the temporary evacuation centres and were taken care by the civil defence," said Assafal.
In the coronavirus situation, the Tungku assemblyman reiterated that the government had instructed citizens to stay home throughout the MCO and were only allowed minimum movement provided that the MCO's standard operating procedures and hygiene were adhered to.
"The people must work together and abide by all orders to ensure whatever strategy and steps put in place by the government will run smoothly.
"It is everyone's responsibility to ensure the country achieves the results that have been planned. Together, we must fight to break the Covid-19 transmission chain," he said.
Like the Lahad Datu intrusion, Assafal believed the people will be able persevere and return to their usual routine once the pandemic subsides even if it takes time.
He recalled how those affected by the 2013 intrusion were able to quickly return to their normal routine as government assisted in their welfare.
"They returned to gardening, farming and fishing, without depending solely on government assistance, except for the first few weeks when they were allowed to return home as most houses were badly damaged.
"Economically, the state and the country are relatively unaffected except for the tourism sector due to society stigma and the travel advisory issued by some countries. Nonetheless, we've bounced back and recovered the confidence," he said.
Sabah Tourism Board's general manager, Noredah Othman, said the state has had its fair share of crisis "but we have always been resilient and rebounded stronger".
Noredah admits that the Covid-19 pandemic brought new unchartered obstacles and affected the whole world.
"When we come out of this crisis, there will be the new norm... we have to adapt well with this new norm," she said.
"Definitely we need to restore confidence, we need to set up our safety and health SOP, we must continue to promote sustainability," she said on her task of reviving the tourism industry in the state.
"It's no longer about large gatherings or large number of visitors, but more about promoting safe travel with longer stay and immersive experience in one destination."
Sabah also experienced an earthquake that struck on June 5, 2015, rattling eight districts on the west coast along the Crocker Range and killed 18 people.
The epicenter was recorded below the iconic Mount Kinabalu, bringing extensive damages and affecting the lives of thousands, from farmers to mountain guides.
Mountain guide Richard Soibi, 53, vividly recalled the tragedy which saw guides and porters losing their income as the Sabah Parks closed off Mount Kinabalu for six months to guest climbers.
"We survived by doing other things such as selling vegetables, tapping rubber or doing odd jobs," Richard said.
Recover they did, as the mountain guides persevered at the time and Mount Kinabalu remains a popular destination for locals and visitors.
New adjustments were made as safety measures and requirements were enhanced.
Richard said the Covid-19 will bring a different set of challenges, but the people will have to endure it.
Comments
Post a Comment