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PETALING JAYA: There will be no Cuti-Cuti Malaysia in Sabah, for now, following the increase in Covid-19 cases in the state.
This is after four districts in Sabah – Lahad Datu, Tawau, Kunak and Semporna – have been placed under the Enhanced Movement Control Order (MCO) from September 29 to October 12.
The President of the Malaysian Association of Travel and Tourism Agents (MATTA), Datuk Tan Kok Liang (Photo) has advised travelers to put off their vacation plans until Sabah, which is the new epicenter of the pandemic.
“My advice is that travelers defer their travel plans to Sabah until mid-October due to the MCO.
“It is a setback for the tourism industry, which has been severely affected, but we hope that this MCO will reduce the spread of Covid-19.
“There will be no Cuti-Cuti Malaysia in Sabah at the moment,” he said yesterday.
Tan said the setback in Semporna would be greater as the district was experiencing an improvement in domestic tourism.
“Since the (MCO’s) announcement, it has affected the confidence of travelers to visit Sabah.
“Potential tourists will think twice to go to Sabah with the requirements to undergo smear tests and recommended quarantine,” he said.
Tan noted that Sabah had been a popular destination for tourists who enjoyed the sights and sounds of the state of Borneo.
“Visitors like Semporna for the diving spots and Sandakan for the seafood and wildlife. Kota Kinabalu is famous for its mountainous scenery and good resorts.
“According to comments, people love Sabah for its fresh air, good food and friendly people,” he said, adding that domestic tourism in Sabah had only slowly started to recover.
“Previously, we were able to do some business nationally and with some incentives launched by the government, it was better than nothing.”
He said that with the specific improved MCO in place, he expected the pandemic situation to improve soon without the need for an extension.
Tan added that the government should make clear the standard operating procedure for hyssop testing, quarantine, and necessary arrangements for travelers from Sabah.
When contacted, Malaysia Airlines said it would reduce its flight frequency to Tawau following the enhanced MCO targeted.
“Malaysia Airlines will fully adhere to the restrictions set by the government and the Ministry of Health.
“In light of this, we will reduce the frequency of two flights to just one flight per day from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau.
“Affected passengers may postpone their trip as indicated in the travel notice for reservation extension and travel flexibility,” he said, adding that for tickets purchased as of June 30, the terms and conditions would apply. normal conditions.
Similarly, Malindo Air’s director of public relations and government affairs, Raja Sa’adi Raja Amrin, said that passengers could postpone their flights without penalties.
“Flights for the travel period between October 1 and 18 can be changed to other travel dates,” he said.
Raja Sa’adi also noted that there had been a drop in demand for the Kuala Lumpur-Kota Kinabalu route following the recent spike in Covid-19 cases.
“Therefore, we have reduced our frequency of flights from seven times a week to three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays until October 18.”
On Monday, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the enhanced MCO targeted at Lahad Datu, Tawau, Kunak and Semporna in Sabah to curb the spread of Covid-19 would last until October 12 with the participation of 962,661 residents.
On Tuesday, Health Director General Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah said that people returning from Sabah and testing negative for Covid-19 should self-quarantine at home.
Although the quarantine was not mandatory for them, he said it would be better for those under self-regulatory orders to stay home and avoid contact with people as much as possible.
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