By Olivia Miwil - March 10, 2021 @ 10:51am
KOTA KINABALU: Despite the government allowing interstate travel for tourism, stakeholders are still sceptical it will help the industry.
Yesterday, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had said travel for tourism will be subject to tight conditions.
Travel is only allowed among states under Recovery Movement Control Order such as Perlis, Melaka, Pahang, Terengganu, Sabah, as well as Putrajaya and Labuan.
Holiday goers also have to use tour agencies and tour vehicles registered with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac).
Sabah Tea Resort general manager Martin Kong said for now, those from outside Sabah have to go for Covid-19 swab tests before entering the state.
"Anyone from Peninsula Malaysia or Sarawak travelling to Sabah must show proof they have tested negative for Covid-19 within the last three days.
"This requirement makes it unlikely this new travel policy will encourage many visitors from other states under the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO)," he said.
Kong added that for now it is more crucial to allow inter-district travel in the state before more companies close down and cause more job losses.
Since last Friday, the state government has only allowed people to travel within zones except Nabawan.
Starting today, the state government has allowed people to travel inter-district according to which zone they are in except Nabawan.
Ranau, Kota Kinabalu, Kota Belud, Tuaran, Penampang, Putatan and Papar are under Zone 1.
Zone 2 comprises Beaufort, Kuala Penyu and Sipitang while Zone 3 has Kudat, Kota Marudu and Pitas, and Zone 4 comprises Sandakan, Beluran, Kinabatangan and Tongod.
Tawau, Semporna, Lahad Datu, Kunak and Kalabakan are in Zone 5, while Keningau, Tambunan and Tenom are in Zone 6.
"By allowing interdistrict travel, beyond the current zone areas, travellers from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu can stopover at Sabah Tea Restaurant (in Ranau) for lunch.
"It will mean more customers for hotels in the various cities in Sabah. It can be a life saver for those struggling to survive."
Sabah Tourist Association chairman Tony Chew echoed Kong's statement on the swab test requirement for tourists outside of Sabah.
"If the requirement of a swab test three days before entering Sabah is lifted, it will definitely be another boost for the tourism industry in the state," he said.
As for the conditions to use tour companies, Chew said it is a good move for operators particularly those with fleets of vehicles.
He added most of the tour buses now are underutilised while drivers lost their income for more than a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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