GEORGE TOWN: Several tourist attractions in Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah are ready to reopen soon.

       Water sports operator Azman Dali, 59, said he would be ready to operate once the Federal Government announces the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

       “Our equipment are well maintained. I start and flush the engines of the jet skis and boats to ensure they are in perfect condition,” he said at Batu Ferringhi recently.Azman added that he was only allowed to operate for a short time since the first movement control order in March last year.

       “I only managed to operate for a few months. Prior to the pandemic, we earned up to RM2,000 a day on weekends and public holidays.

       “It’s costly to maintain equipment,” he said. Batu Ferringhi’s Teddyville Museum director Tony Ch’ng said the management was still contemplating whether to reopen the museum on Oct 1.

       “We are uncertain of the turnout. We’ve been closed for the longest this time; since early May,” he said.

       Ch’ng added that his staff were vaccinated with some 70% of them having taken both jabs.

       “Although we are not open, my staffers still have to carry out regular checks on all the displays.

       Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has said that spas, massage centres and tourist attractions were allowed to reopen to fully vaccinated customers and operators from Oct 1.

       “Tourism centres such as zoos, plantations, aquariums, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing tours and eco parks are allowed to operate at all National Recovery phases effective Oct 1 with all operators and visitors fully vaccinated,” he added.