BATU GAJAH (Bernama): Pangkor Island is expected to reopen to tourists who are fully vaccinated from Nov 1, says Perak executive councillor Datuk Nolee Ashilin Mohammed Radzi.

       However, the housing, local government and tourism committee chairman said reopening the island is subject to approval by the National Security Council after all information, requirements and standard operating procedure (SOP) have been tabled by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.

       She said based on the latest information received, the island is still 87 people short of the 8,026 who must be vaccinated – out of its total population of 11,500 – to achieve herd immunity.

       "So we still have not fulfilled the percentage of people who must be vaccinated in order to achieve herd immunity," she told reporters after handing over aid from the Perak Malay Chamber of Commerce to the Village Security and Development Committee (Batu Gajah Zone) at Masjid Kampung Batu 8 here on Sunday (Sept 12).

       In July, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Syukri said Phase Two of her ministry's Covid-19-Free Destination Programme would be extended to popular island resorts such as Redang, Perhentian, Tioman and Pangkor. – Bernama