Kota Kinabalu: The Government is urged to implement stricter standard operating procedures (SOPs), especially when accepting tourists from China who are expected to increase sharply this year.
Sabah West Coast Tourism Association Chairman Azami Bongsu said the Covid-19 antigen rapid test kit also needs to be re-enforced so that the spread of the virus, especially from China, can be curbed.
He also advised industry players, especially in Sabah, to constantly monitor the SOPs to avoid the spread of the virus.
“It is understood that China will be relaxing the SOPs and that Malaysia will be one of the destinations for its tourists,” he said. He said industry players cannot expect the Government and authorities to monitor everything but need to take the initiative to enforce all previously practised SOPs.
“They are already in place, temperature scans and mandatory vaccinations. Countries like Singapore are increasing the vaccine dose,” he said in a statement.
China will reportedly reopen its borders on Jan 8 after nearly three years of closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This latest development saw local tourism operators making early preparations to welcome the arrival of tourists from the country that usually makes Malaysia one of their destinations.
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