Malaysia: Tour operators demand exact timeline for border reopening
Malaysian tourism operators want a specific date for the country’s reopening of its border reopening, noting that further postpone would only lead to a massive loss to the industry.
On a street in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Kuala Lumpur, February 22 (VNA) – Malaysian tourism operators want a specificdate for the country’s reopening of its border reopening, noting that further postponewould only lead to a massive loss to the industry.
Talking to the press, president of the Malaysian Inbound TourismAssociation Uzaidi Udanis acknowledged that the decision will take some time,but worried the longer it takes the larger losses are for tourism businesses.
Uzaidi said local tour operators understand if the authoritiesare not going to reopen the borders by March 1, but expect a tentativetimeline so that they can prepare in terms of staff, tour guides, facilities,transportation, and marketing.
Echoing the view, vice president of the Malaysian Association ofTour and Travel Agents outbound Cynthia Tan said the nation’s tourism industry mightcollapse if the border remains shut.
The industry has been suffering badly for 24 months, and needsfunds and cost to sustain, according to her.
Currently, Malaysia requires hefty rules and regulations upon arrival.
Last week, Malaysian Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin confirmed that the country could openits borders in the second quarter of this year. Meanwhile, National RecoveryCouncil (NRC) chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin said the council proposed openingthe borders on March 1. The high number of daily COVID-19 infections has forcedthe government to consider the proposal carefully./.
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On a street in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
