KUCHING, Aug 9: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has welcomed the relaxation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for fully vaccinated individuals as it will spur domestic tourism.
Abdul Karim noted that during Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s announcement yesterday, the federal government has allowed domestic tourism in the same state involving homestays and hotels in which the operators need to ensure those entering their premises must show their digital vaccination certificate.
“We fully support the reopening of hotels and homestays which were forced to close since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Movement Control Order (MCO) on March 18 last year.
“The announcement is also a respite for our local dine-in eateries after more activities are permitted for fully vaccinated individuals living in states that have moved to Phase Two or Phase Three of NRP (National Recovery Plan).
“The impact of the relaxation will bring positive impacts to the local workforce which can now look forward to gainful employment and this will contribute to boosting our domestic economy when both employers and their employees can go back to work,” he said in a press statement today.
On the relaxation of outdoor recreational and sporting activities but subject to strict SOPs, Abdul Karim who is also Youth and Sports Minister said this will enable the local folks to indulge in healthy activities together with their families and friends besides promoting healthy lifestyle among members in the communities.
“Even though the relaxation is confined to non physical contact sports such as jogging, cycling, skateboarding, fishing, golf, tennis and badminton (single events), it is still good news to our people especially among youths who should be encouraged to participate in an active lifestyle,” he added.
Abdul Karim believed the announcement on the relaxation measures is a good start for Malaysia in moving forward towards resuming normalcy in the people’s daily lives which had been impacted by Covid-19 pandemic.
He also believed that the people should continue to support the government’s efforts in putting the pandemic to an end. — DayakDaily
