IPOH: Tourism industry players in Pangkor are working hard to ensure the island is ready to be reopened to fully vaccinated tourists, says Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi.

       The Perak housing, local government and tourism committee chairman said tourism operators had been pulling their weight to ensure measures are in place for the island to reopen safely.

       “Most have satisfied the basic requirements,” she told a press conference after presenting tablet computers to the Seri Kepayang flats community library here yesterday.

       Nolee Ashilin said a committee to monitor standard operating procedure (SOP) compliance has also been set up.

       “We will ensure the SOP set by the National Security Council is followed.

       “We want to avoid any incidences of non-compliance of the SOP at jetties,” she added.

       She said action will be taken by the authorities against those who fail to follow the SOP.

       “As mentioned by the Perak Mentri Besar, we will not rush into things as we also do not want to compromise on safety,” Nolee Ashilin added.

       Tioman, which is part of the government’s Covid-19 Free Destination Programme – which also includes Redang, Perhentian and Tioman – is expected to reopen to fully vaccinated tourists from Nov 1.

       “I still think it’s a good target personally, as we hope to catch on to the (travel) bubble.

       “That’s the intention,” said Nolee Ashilin.

       Pangkor is a popular tourist destination, known for its sandy white beaches, sights and historical locations like the old Dutch Fort and the Batu Bersurat, where a large rock is inscribed with pictures and letters by Dutch soldiers in the 1700s.

       The island also got its duty-free status in 2020.

       On Sunday, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said Malaysians can expect to cross state borders in the next three weeks following the government’s move to speed up vaccinations.