Nancy: Initiative will boost tourism, arts sectors

KUALA LUMPUR: The move to allow travel between states under the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) will revive the tourism, arts and creative sectors.

Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said yesterday the move would serve as a catalyst for revitalising the tourism industry and ensure the survival of workers in this sector.

“The announcement on the targeted travel bubble allows people to travel, and the tourism sector can fully operate now.

“The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry is grateful to the government for allowing live events for the creative sector to be held in areas under the RMCO and the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).

“This includes official government programmes, television programmes, music, dance, theatre, musical, comedy, cultural and heritage programmes involving 50 per cent audience capacity under strict standard operating procedures (SOP).

“I hope Malaysians will be responsible tourists and enjoy these experiences without becoming complacent about the SOP.”

Nancy called on tourism companies to benefit from this move by offering high-quality services to tourists.

“Reasonable and attractive rates, narration from tour guides to add value to the tour experience, as well as driver and transportation services will draw people to what you are offering.”

On Tuesday, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the travel bubble would start from March 10 under tight conditions.

Tourists are not allowed to commute using private vehicles but only via tourism agencies and tour vehicles registered with the ministry.

While tourists are allowed to transit from one RMCO state to another via a CMCO state, tour agency vehicles are not allowed to stop in CMCO states.

Tour agency operators are required to obtain police permission for interstate travel on behalf of their customers.