KUCHING, March 18: The Visit Malaysia Year 2020 (VMY2020) campaign has been cancelled with immediate effect in line with the 14-day Movement Control Order effective today to prevent the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that all other related activities and programmes were also cancelled in the next two weeks.
“I would like to inform you that the Visit Malaysia Year Campaign (VM2020) is cancelled in line with the Order due to the Covid-19 outbreak that has affected the tourism sector in Malaysia and the whole world. This is effective immediately,” she said in a statement issued today.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and with the Order enforced starting today, Nancy said that her ministry also froze all counters and online services for new applications, travel operations licence renewals, tour guides, Tourism Training Institute and Registration of Travel Accommodation Premises, spas and foot massage centres until March 31.
The measures taken, she added, was in line with the policy adopted by the National Security Council (NSC) and the Prime Minister’s Department on the Movement Control Order.
“However, all tourist accommodation premises are allowed to operate at a minimum level. All guests must stay within the premises during the quarantine period and meal reservations should be made by room service.
“The process of registering a guest (check-in) to a tourist accommodation for the duration of the Order is allowed, but on a small and limited scale,” she explained.
In addition, guests at hotels who were required to extend their stay during this period, may be able to sign in to a budget accommodation that fits their budget.
“However, new domestic tourists who wish to check in to hotels will not be allowed.
“I urge the public to comply with social distancing as long as this Order comes into force. Let us pray that the well-being of this beloved nation can be restored as soon as possible,” she urged.— DayakDaily
