JOHOR BARU (Bernama): Hotel occupancy rates in Johor Baru and Muar have increased, up to 80% at some establishments, since interstate travel was allowed on Oct 11, says exco member Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

       The Johor tourism, youth and sports committee chairman said, for example, the average occupancy rate at Desaru Coast near Kota Tinggi was about 65%.

       After months of inactivity following the pandemic, boat operators at the Mersing jetty were also busy again with the arrival of visitors, he added.

       “People are taking the opportunity to take a break and spend their holidays in Johor after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced the lifting of interstate travel restriction nationwide beginning Oct 11.

       “I was informed that the tour packages for island-hopping in the Mersing district are currently almost fully booked until mid-November,” he said in a post on Facebook on Wednesday (Oct 20).

       He said the number of local tourists at the Legoland theme park has also increased significantly.

       “Thank you, Malaysians, for making Johor your choice of holiday destination. InsyaAllah, the state will always be a safe destination for you and your family,” he added. – Bernama