MELAKA: Underlining the importance of saving the badly impacted local tourism industry, Melaka caretaker chief minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali appeals to those entering the state to strictly comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the authorities.

       “I appeal to all outstation folks to give priority to health and safety and ensure physical distancing when visiting Melaka this weekend,” he said Thursday (Oct 14).

       Sulaiman said the state did not want to see the relaxation given to economic and social activities to cause an increase in Covid-19 infections in the state.

       He also hoped that the local business community and hoteliers will help the state government ensure everyone obeys the SOPs set by health officials in stopping the spread of Covid-19, especially with the anticipated arrival of tourists to the state over this weekend.

       On Wednesday (Oct 13) Melaka Tourism Promotion division managing director Sa’ari Basiron said he anticipated some 25,000 vehicles to enter the historic city on Friday (Oct 15).

       He said the projected number of vehicles to enter the state via the Ayer Keroh toll plaza was provided by PLUS Malaysia after the ban on interstate travel was lifted.

       Sa’ari said his team will also distribute 1,000 Covid-19 kits as gift packs to the early birds entering via the toll plaza on Friday.