Matta urges govt to include hotel industry under essential services

By TIN Media | Tourism Malaysia Published 4 years ago on 18 March 2020
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Kuala Lumpur: :

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) urged the government to classify the hotel industry under essential services amid the implementation of the restricted movement order.

Matta president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said foreign tourists already in the country should be allowed to complete their trip.


“It would be problematic to kick out foreign tourists that we welcomed with open arms earlier. Also, some are long-staying guests at hotels and include rich retirees and expatriates working here. It is sufficient to bar the entry of tourists without having to repatriate those already in the country. We also have to bear in mind that hotels are needed by transient workers such as oil and gas, shipping and airline crews,” he said in a statement today.


Applauding the bold and decisive move by the government to contain Covid-19 which has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation, Tan hopes the government would classify hotel services as essential services.


“Industry players are concerned that some hotels are closing down as their operations are not listed under essential services. But if these hotels cease operations until month-end and guests are asked to check out by noon today, how are they going to fend for themselves?


“Guests cannot be expected to proceed to the airport and catch the next flight home as easily as commuters taking a train home after work,” he said.
Tan said if hotels are not classified as essential service under existing laws, then exceptions should be made. However, Tan said the government has not provided sufficient notice for the implementation of the order. These measures are clearly lacking and also Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) should have been prepared and released immediately after the announcement to clear the confusion.


“Most importantly, another announcement must be made immediately that hotels should not be closed, and no guests are ejected, as food, clothing, and shelter are basic needs. As of press time, in-house tour groups are panicking due to lack of clarification. Also, as the aviation industry is considered as essential services, business premises providing air ticketing services should be allowed to operate with reduced manpower,” he stated.


Tan concluded by saying that mechanisms must be in place to prevent or reduce unnecessary hardships to the rakyat as well as remaining tourists still holidaying in Malaysia.

 


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