PETALING JAYA: As the country’s first travel bubble pilot project visitors took off for Langkawi yesterday, the Transport Ministry was encouraged to see that the vacationers readily took the RTK Antigen test for safety reasons.

       Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who was on the ground to survey the situation at the KL International Airport (KLIA) and klia2 yesterday, said Covid-19 testing was conducted before the flight.

       “I saw that some brought self-test kits for saliva tests, and others bought them at counters in KLIA and klia2.

       “Throughout my inspection, one passenger tested positive for Covid-19 and the necessary isolation process was carried out.

       “The family of the passenger also did not board the flight due to them being listed as close contacts,” he said on Facebook, adding that eight flights took off on the day the tourism bubble started.

       A total of 1,520 holidaymakers flew to the resort island on Malaysia Day, Dr Wee added.

       The Covid-19 testing, he said, was conducted to ensure everyone’s safety as well as the success of the Langkawi tourism bubble.

       “As I mingled with the passengers, including those from France and Korea, they expressed their joy that the domestic tourism sector has been reopened under this pilot project.

       “They also appreciated the government’s efforts to improve on the standard operating procedures, including enforcing Covid-19 tests before the start of the journey.

       “I would like to remind all to continue adhering to the SOP that has been put in place so that efforts by the government to heal the economic and tourism sectors can go smoothly,” he said.

       Dr Wee said it was also a delightful sight at the KLIA departure gate where a simple yet meaningful event was held to commemorate Malaysia Day.

       “To promote patriotism in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) held a simple event at KLIA.

       “All passengers who boarded Flight MH2614 to Kota Kinabalu were excited and moved by the response and good service when they entered the A2 departure gate.

       “The flight attendants, as well as MAS pilots, also wore traditional outfits to highlight the uniqueness and diversity of Malaysian society,” he said.

       Diversity, he added, was an important national treasure that must be preserved and defended.