JOHOR BARU: As the number of Covid-19 cases remains high, most hotels here are being cautious about opening their doors to those who are fully vaccinated.

       Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Johor Chapter chairman Ivan Teo said that the state was still under Phase One of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

       Teo (left) and Leong.

       “Unlike the relaxation of the first and second movement control orders, hotels here are more careful when it comes to fully opening up this time.

       “We are worried that once we resume operations, we may have to shut down again if the number of cases continues going up or if there is another round of lockdown.

       “There is a lot of cost involved and we do not want to reemploy people only to let them go again after a short period of time. It is not that easy,” he said.

       While hotels are currently allowed to open for customers who have a letter from the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti), many have opted to suspend operation to avoid running at a loss.

       However, there are some hotels that are making minor preparations to attract visitors to travel again once Johor moves to Phase Two of the NRP.

       Holiday Inn JBCC marketing communication assistant director Keyin Tay said, “The hotel is planning to come up with interesting packages and promotions to welcome customers once more restrictions are eased in the state.

       “We have started cleaning up, reorganising and sanitising eateries in preparation for the dine-in restriction to be lifted for those who are fully vaccinated.

       “On top of that, we are also planning to come up with some promotions to attract and instil confidence of fully vaccinated customers who may soon be able to travel again,” she said.

       The hotel is among non-quarantine hotels that remain open for customers with Miti letters.

       Meanwhile, Johor Tourist Guides Association chairman Jimmy Leong Wie Kong said tourism industry players recently had a virtual meeting with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to discuss protocols for the reopening of the industry.

       “We have also decided to open up the industry beginning with islands as Langkawi in Kedah is expected to be the first island to welcome visitors.

       “The possibility of other tourism destinations opening up will depend on the success of the opening up of Langkawi,” said Leong, who is also the Malaysian Tourist Guides Council president.

       It was reported that the government is studying the possibility of turning Langkawi into a tourism bubble pilot project.

       On Aug 8, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the National Security Council had agreed to ease restrictions for those who are fully vaccinated.

       For states under Phase Two of the NRP, dine-in at restaurants are allowed as well as non-contact sporting activities outdoors and at clubhouses. Travel with stays in hotels and homestays are allowed too.

       All states have transitioned to Phase Two and beyond except for Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Johor, Melaka and Putrajaya.