GEORGE TOWN: With Penang expecting to record a surge of holidaymakers again during the upcoming Deepavali break, police have warned visitors to comply with all the standard operating procedures (SOP) in order not to trigger any clusters in the state.

       State police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the focus will be on hotspots such as the beaches, shopping malls and recreational areas where people love to converge during the visits.

       “Every district police chief has been instructed to ensure that every visitor complies with the SOP,” he replied in a text message yesterday.

       With Deepavali falling on a Thursday, one can enjoy a four-day staycation just by applying for leave on Friday – provided one is fully vaccinated.

       Lexis Suites Penang general manager Ben Ho said all rooms at the hotel are fully booked for Deepavali.

       “Ever since the interstate travel restrictions were relaxed, business recovery has been fast, especially during weekends.

       “Out of a total of 221 rooms, we open up 170 on weekdays and 180 on weekends.

       “We expect similar scenarios, too, for the Christmas and New Year celebrations,” he said.

       Eastern & Oriental Hotel general manager Alison Fraser said the occupancy rate at the hotel is currently over 62% for the Deepavali weekend.

       “As Malaysia transitions into the endemic phase, we feel that Malaysians will gain more confidence to travel. Coupled with the year-end school holidays, we certainly anticipate high occupancy rate in the coming weeks until the end of the year,” she said.

       M Summit 191 Executive Hotel Suites general manager Moh Wei Ken said the hotel has received positive feedback for two packages in collaboration with The Top Penang.

       “The ‘Stay and Play’ package for families and ‘Romantic Escape’ for couples have so far received overwhelming response since the launch on Oct 22.

       “In less than one week after the launch, we have sold 50 room nights.

       “We are confident of getting more guests in the next few weeks as out-of-towners are looking forward to getting away from their hometown following the reopening of state borders,” he said, adding that the hotel will come up with its Christmas promotions soon.

       Macalister Mansion marketing communication manager Annie Wong said Deepavali and Christmas bookings have almost doubled and are expected to increase further.

       “Since the interstate travel ban was lifted, the hotel’s occupancy rate has been picking up.

       “Deepavali and Christmas bookings have increased up to 70% and we are expecting an even higher occupancy rate by the year-end,” she said.

       Meanwhile, Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chapter chairman K. Raj Kumar said their members are well prepared for the incoming surge of holidaymakers next week.

       “We don’t foresee any problems as our SOP are already in place. All we ask from the visitors is that they be considerate and exercise extreme caution during their stay here,” he said.