KUALA LUMPUR: The government will only consider opening other travel bubbles if the initiative in Langkawi is a success.

       Senior Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said he would discuss the matter with Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri on Tuesday (Sept 14).

       Hishammuddin was speaking to reporters after chairing a special meeting with Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz and Communication and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

       "I was advised by the ministers to hold a meeting with Nancy to look at the Langkawi project and discuss standard operating procedures which must be updated.

       "I will discuss this with her today on what will happen over the next two days," he said, adding it was important as any decision made on tourism would be based on the pilot program at Langkawi.

       He said the decision on Langkawi was made not just for economic reasons but also after taking the well-being of the people into consideration.

       "We hope there aren't any spike in cases, but if there are, back up in terms of hospital beds and medical treatment must be in place," he said.

       Hishammuddin said most importantly, the people visiting Langkawi must be disciplined, must be vaccinated and we are also looking into if they need to be tested prior to making the trip.

       "It is incumbent on the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to prove to us that they can do it at Langkawi first before we open other bubbles.