IPOH: The reopening of Malaysia's international borders is a big boost for the tourism industry, says a local tourism association.

       Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association Perak Chapter chairman Jimmy Goh said it is a good sign for local travel agencies, as they are prepared to reignite their businesses.

       "Malaysians will want to travel.

       "Pricing wise for tour packages will not be a concern, but people will still want to travel safely without much worries," he said when contacted Tuesday (March 8).

       "Most travel agents have already started to check with hotels from other countries on their Covid-19 standard operating procedures.

       "We want to make sure their premises are sanitised regularly and staff fully vaccinated to protect our customers," he added.

       Goh, however, believed that businesses will only pick up in the second half of the year.

       "People will be selective with their destinations and not to mention, the limited number of countries that Malaysia has agreed to implement the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) with," he said.

       "I hope the government will expedite its negotiation with more countries so that it will be easier for people to travel," he said.

       "Safety is another factor as Covid-19 is still a concern for most people," he added.

       Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced on Tuesday that Malaysia's borders will be reopened starting April 1.

       Goh also said that the relaxed rules whereby fully vaccinated foreign tourists no longer need to undergo quarantine upon arrival would attract more foreigners to visit the country.

       "If people are still required to quarantine for five to seven days, they will think twice about travelling.

       "It will be a boon for our local businesses, especially the tourism industry players," he said.

       "I believe all industry players will continue to observe the existing SOPs strictly to protect the tourists," he added.