GEORGE TOWN: Hoteliers and tourism players can expect a shot in the arm following the reopening of interstate travel for the fully vaccinated starting today.

       Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang Chapter chairman K. Raj Kumar said the long-awaited news would be a major boon for association members.

       “We are excited about the news, which will inject the much needed boost for local tourism that gets hotels up and running again.

       “It is time for a vibrant Penang to come alive with people travelling for leisure and business once again,” he said.

       Raj Kumar, however, called on the Health Ministry to simplify the standard operating procedures (SOPs) so as to enable people to follow them without any confusion.

       Association of Tourism Attractions Penang chairman Ch’ng Huck Theng said the lifting of the interstate travel ban was timely as the move would see a domino effect of job creation that will save livelihoods of those in the tourism sector.

       “It is clear now that most of the cases are from the wet markets and not tourists.

       “Following the SOPs will be easier as only those vaccinated are allowed to travel,” he said.

       Ch’ng said as tourism is a money spinner for the state, it would see the revival of all sectors, especially those from the hospitality industry, travel agencies and food outlets.

       Nasi kandar operators believe the move would be a boost to the food and beverage business.

       Pelita Samudra Pertama (M) Sdn Bhd group executive director Datuk K. K. Sihabutheen said the long awaited move would see a rebound in nasi kandar businesses.

       “Penang is a food heaven, and many have missed their famous hawker and nasi kandar fare since the closure of state borders.

       “We welcome the government’s decision as every sector will see a revival once again, which would put much needed income in people’s hands,” said Sihabutheen.

       Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said interstate travel nationwide would resume for the fully vaccinated starting today.

       He said the interstate travel ban was lifted as almost 90% of the adult population is fully vaccinated.

       In Petaling Jaya, the Malaysian Budget and Business Hotel Association said SOPs should be in place following resumption of interstate travel.

       It’s president Emmy Suraya Hussein said that while welcoming the move, there should be clear SOPs on the matter.

       “However, the SOPs for the tourism and hospitality sectors should be issued immediately to ensure the smooth operation of hotels and tourism activities,” she said in a statement yesterday.

       She added that a clear SOP would prevent issues arising during the implementation.

       Emmy also noted that the reopening of interstate travel would help alleviate the hardships faced to a certain extent

       She said many in the tourism sector are still dependent on assistance from the government to help them recover.

       Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said yesterday that her ministry was ready to implement the respective SOPs for the tourism sectors.