SOP for S'pore-M'sia travel bubble ready – minister
KOTA KINABALU: The Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) to start the travel bubble between Singapore and Malaysia is ready, said Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) minister, Dato Sri Nancy Shukri yesterday.
Nevertheless, both countries are being cautious, she said.
She added that the matter was still being discussed and that both Malaysia and Singapore are speaking to each other.
She reminded that the decision to start the travel bubble is not up to MOTAC alone and that there are issues related to security and safety to consider before the border can be opened for other matters aside from essential services.
Speaking to reporters after the National Tourism Policy and Meet in Malaysia 2020-2030 as well as Jerayawara held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) yesterday, Nancy also said that MOTAC is identifying a few other countries to start the travel bubble with.
At the same time, she also said that tourism promotional activities have never ceased even during the pandemic.
“It is an activity to prepare for the time when inter-district is allowed,” she said.
Nevertheless, she urged for the continued compliance to the standard operating procedure that has been put in place.
Nancy also said that it is not uncommon for countries to warn their citizens against visiting countries with Covid-19.
“We have done this also,” she said in reply to a question related to the Centre of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) decision to put Malaysia on alert, warning visitors against coming to the country.
“Our border is also still closed,” she reminded.
Earlier in her speech, Nancy said that MOTAC is working with agencies, departments and industry players to create various ideas and plans to revive the tourism sector nationwide, including Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
MOTAC Minister, Dato Sri Nancy Shukri said that this was to ensure that Malaysia continues to become the main destination for local and foreign tourists when borders are reopened.
She added that the tourism sector is among those severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
She also said that realizing the challenges in reviving the competitiveness of the nation's tourism sector, MOTAC has enacted the National Tourism Policy 2020-2030 which is a transformation agenda focused on efforts to raise the country's income, encourage cooperation and investments, empower local communities, and strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the nation's tourism sector.
Speaking at the National Tourism Policy and Meet in Malaysia 2020-2030 as well as
Jerayawara held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) yesterday, Nancy explained that her ministry is working with tourism associations to draft and implement the Tourism Recovery Plan which is the short-term plan under the National Tourism Policy.
The strategies under the plan include restoring public confidence to travel while also adapting to the new norm which includes adherence to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP); to enliven domestic tourism by offering creative and attractive tourism packages through the digital platform and to promote village tourism or hidden gems; offering incentives and promotions in the form of rebate vouchers, e-voucher, cashback through e-wallet and discounts; adapting the use of the latest technology such as cashless payments and online bookings, she said.
She also said that the government has launched several economic stimulation packages such as Prihatin, Penjana, Permai and recently, Pemerkasa to assist affected industry players.
Among others, the government will extend the tourism tax and service tax exemption on accommodations until 31 December 2021; extend incentive tax for tourism companies until the 2022 assessment; allow the deferment of income tax installment payments from 1 April to 31 December 2021 for tourism companies and selected industries such as cinemas and spas; the exemption of entertainment duties on entrance payment such as theme parks, sporting activities and competitions.
Meanwhile, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Jafry Ariffin said that the Sabah government has divided Sabah into six zones and that inter-district travels are allowed within each zone.
He also reminded that people wanting to travel outside of the zones will be required to get a police permit to do so.
“So, for those in Kota Kinabalu, they can travel to tourism destinations such as those in Ranau and so on. You can know the tourism promotions at the zone. You can refer to the social media,” said Jafry.