Local tourism needs you

THE landscape of global tourism has been drastically changed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

While we still can’t travel overseas, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin recently gave us the green light to travel interstate.

So this is the time for Malaysians to support the sorely pressed local tourism industry.

I had an amazing experience when I rode my motorcycle across the region and I wanted to share it to encourage people to travel.

When we travel domestically, we contribute to the local economy.

For instance, fuelling up at a petrol station, eating at local restaurants, staying in local hotels or home stays and, not to forget, that durian feast!

Being able to explore the country again after staying home for almost three months was such a relief!

On the journey from Johor Baru towards Cherating via Endaurompin, we had many an animal encounter, especially with monkeys welcoming us back on the road.

Hotels are starting to operate, though with minimal rooms available despite the low demand. We discovered that this was due to staff shortages.

We had made a last minute booking, so the hotel management had to send a technician in the middle of the night to service the airconditioner because it had not been operated for a long time due to the travel restrictions caused by this pandemic.

The swimming pool and other facilities were not open to the public as some restrictions were still force when we were there.

With the recent announcement of every sector opening up, though,

I’m sure all hotel facilities will be ready for guests to enjoy soon.

Restaurants were open and sticking to the “new normal” with distancing; it was effortless to have decent meals along the way.

There are many local attractions that have started operating awaiting visitors. Celup tepung (battered, fried snacks) at Penarik beach, durian stalls along the road from

Gerik to Lenggong, and keropok lekor (fish crackers) stalls along the Cherating to Kemaman road are ready to serve tourists.

But whatever you do, do not forget the SOPS. Maintain social distancing, wear your mask when in public, sanitise or wash your hands always, and make hygiene your priority.

This is the time for us to appreciate the beauty of Malaysia.

To all Malaysians, let’s unite and support local tourism so it flourishes again.