Tourism players in Malaysia are keen on seeing clear standpoint on border reopening

Monday, February 14, 2022

The tourism revival is important and the government should have clear goals on border reopening task in Malaysia, says the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA).

Datuk Tan Kok Liang, president, MATTA, explained that even though the National Recovery Council had proposed that on March 1st, the international borders of the country be opened, the Prime Minister however has said that the matter is still discussable by the Cabinet.

“We feel very dejected and demoralised. There is no clear direction.”

“We have already waited nearly 24 months, how are we going to sustain for another year?” he said.

Tan has requested the government to come up with a roadmap ideal for revival for the industry as other Asean countries have by now reopened their borders. He also advised that the government should implement travel bubbles with more countries.

“Please encourage more tourism bubbles; talking about just one bubble to Langkawi is not going to sustain the industry. Open up to low-risk countries in Asean and let us move on,” Tan added.

In December 2021, the Malaysia-Singapore border was reopened with the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) agreement. Under the international tourism bubble project, international tourism was allowed in Langkawi. Of late, Asean countries which opened up their borders included Thailand under its “Test & Go” programme, under which vaccinated travellers are only allowed to enter the country without quarantine.

« Back to Page

• Batik Air launches new flight route to Guilin, China

• FATA appoints new president for term 2024-2026

• Malaysia is a budget-friendly alternative to pricier Europe

• Malaysia Ramps Up Efforts in Cruise Tourism

• Sabah allures Vietnamese travellers with diverse ecosystem and heritage