Melaka, Genting Highlands & Pulau Tioman Proposed To Reopen For Tourists From 1 Oct
Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said they will be refining standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the reopenings in a meeting tomorrow, 22 September.
By May Vin Ang — 21 Sep 2021, 05:46 PM — Updated about 3 years ago
UPDATE: The reopening of Melaka, Genting Highlands, and Pulau Tioman have been postponed indefinitely.
On 22 September, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the reopening of island resorts, tourism centres or destinations, and interstate travel will only be allowed when the vaccination rate of the country's adult population has reached 90%.
Previously, it was announced that Melaka, Genting Highlands, and Pulau Tioman are ready to be reopened to local tourists starting 1 October
According to Harian Metro, Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the proposal was made during the Quartet Ministers Meeting today, 21 September, after seeing the positive developments with the Pulau Langkawi travel bubble.
She said the proposal will be brought to the Special Committee on Pandemic Management meeting, which will be chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob tomorrow, for approval.
"Then in two weeks, these destinations will be ready to resume operations," she said during a press conference at Parliament today.
Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
Image via Mohamad Shahril Basri/The Edge MarketsNancy added that they will be refining standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the reopenings during the meeting
She said the refined SOPs will consider several things, including the need for swab tests, as the matter involves a larger area than Langkawi, reported Malay Mail.
"Likewise (sic), in Langkawi, there are many entry points. So this is what we need to refine, in terms of the SOPs," Nancy said, adding that the Ministry of Health (MOH) has asked her ministry to list the travel SOPs similar to those imposed on travellers flying to Langkawi.
She also said more locations are planned to be added soon for domestic travel.
The decision comes as Melaka is also expected to enter Phase 3 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) in October
Bernama reported that Melaka is aiming to achieve a 100% vaccination rate by next month.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali said 77% of the adult population in Melaka have already completed two doses of COVID-19 vaccinations as of 18 September.
Remember to limit your movement and keep practising physical distancing. Find out the latest COVID-19 updates on the Ministry of Health's COVIDNOW website.
