S’wak targets 1.2 mln arrivals this year with reopening of M’sia’s borders on April 1

Abdul Karim (centre) give his thumbs-up for a photo-op during his visit to a bundle stall at Meow City Bundle Fest 01.
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KUCHING, March 27: Sarawak has set a target of 1.2 million arrivals this year with the reopening of Malaysia’s borders.

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said it is achievable based on the number of visitors recorded entering the State for the first three months of this year (January-March).

“It shows a more than 500 per cent increase compare to the same period last year, and with the opening of the country’s borders on April 1, I believe that the number will increase,” he told reporters after officiating at the closing ceremony of Meow City Bundle Fest 01 in Samariang, today.

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Meanwhile, when asked by reporters about Sarawak’s preparation to enter the Covid-19 endemic phase, Abdul Karim said it is something to look forward to.

He also said there must be an end to this crisis.

Although most of the rakyat have been vaccinated, certain standard operating procedures (SOPs) will also still apply such as the use of face masks in confined areas and so on, he pointed out.

“The people must always be vigilant because we know that this virus is highly contagious and we need to protect everyone around us, including the elderly, those with lung diseases such as asthma and many others,” he added.

On March 8, Prime Minister Dato Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that Malaysia will enter the endemic phase of Covid-19 beginning April 1.

During the press conference that was broadcast live by major media outlets, Ismail Sabri also said with the reopening of Malaysia’s borders, foreign travelers with recognised travel documents may enter Malaysia freely. — DayakDaily

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