Reopening borders: Malaysia needs international tourists to boost the economy

By TIN Media | Tourism Malaysia Published 2 years ago on 3 March 2022
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MALAYSIA:

For Kee Lee Li, the prospect of Malaysia fully opening its borders is bittersweet. To combat Covid-19, the country has banned international visitor arrivals for almost two years.

Kee, 30, has since left her job as an inbound tour specialist at a travel firm to pursue a new career in a different industry.

"With overseas arrivals restricted, it was tough for the company to sustain during the movement restriction order time," the former tour guide added.

"While I enjoyed working in the tourism industry, it was challenging to make ends meet at the time." I was fortunate enough to come across a fresh chance. Some of my former coworkers chose to remain at the travel firm and accept a pay decrease. But it appears that things will improve (for travel) soon," she said.

Kee was referring to the National Recovery Council's (NRC) proposal to open Malaysia's borders completely as early as March 1. Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the chairman of the NRC, advocated that the country's borders be fully open without the requirement for enforced quarantine.

Visitors entering Malaysia will only be required to take Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing before and after entering the country, as advised by the Malaysian Health Ministry.

The Health Ministry was also entrusted with preparing recommendations for the reopening of the border.

Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Minister of Tourist, Arts, and Culture, stated that negotiations with tourism ministries in other countries were part of her ministry's ongoing efforts.

Nancy stated that the ministry "already has the confidence for the country's borders to be reopened" based on the success of the Langkawi travel bubble.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaacob has also promised that the country's borders will be reopened shortly to make travel easier. He emphasized the significance of reopening borders to revitalize the tourism business in the country.

"As a result, we'll reopen it." Restrictions on people's freedom of movement have had a significant impact on everyone," he continued.

Before the epidemic, Malaysia's tourist industry, which is primarily reliant on international visitors, generated RM80 billion in annual income.

Local tourism stakeholders argue that it is past time for Malaysia to reopen its borders to fully vaccinate tourists and visitors.

According to Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang, a bold approach is required to resuscitate the Covid-19-devastated tourist sector.

"There is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach, but the NRC plan (to reopen borders as early as March 1) is seen as the best option in the current situation." He stated, "We need to be brave and approach this as a measured decision based on medical research and a risk-based strategy."

According to Tan, it is past time for Malaysia to allow inbound tourism to resume, as the country's tourist economy has lagged behind that of other nations.

To welcome international travelers, the United Kingdom, Europe, and several ASEAN countries have enacted more permissive travel conditions.

"Given the high number of vaccinated citizens, including those who have taken the booster injection," he stated, "it is also time for us to fully open our borders."

Tan went on to say that he is aware of reservations from certain sectors, but that tourism enterprises are on the losing end of the equation.

"Armchair consultants and government officials may come to a different conclusion" (on the need to fully open borders). However, tourism firms and workers are struggling financially.

"Tourism is one of the major sources of the economy, accounting for a significant portion of Malaysia's GDP and a major supporter of Malaysian employment," he said.

According to Tan, the administration can put in place a clear plan for restoring international borders. Borders, for example, might be reopened in stages based on a region of countries.

"Reopening international borders will revitalize the tourism industry and transform it into a thriving economic sector." It has the potential to revitalize other enterprises in the industry, as well as reintroduce job prospects for the people.

"Matta has stated numerous times that we require overseas tourists to enter our country. Domestic tourism alone will not be enough to keep the business afloat, according to Tan.

He emphasized that foreign tourism will, in turn, help to rebuild the country's struggling economy.

"We are in a poor economic condition right now. Tourists are needed in our country. Malaysia's tourism industry is a vital source of revenue and an important tool for economic development.

"On that basis, the government should implement the appropriate approach to strengthen and revitalize our country's economy," Tan said.

Take it slowly and carefully.

As Covid-19 approaches endemic status, many tourism professionals have advocated for travel restrictions to be eased. The World Health Organization (WHO) has even stated that travel restrictions are ineffective in preventing the virus's international spread.

However, according to ASEAN Tourism Research Association (ATRA) president Prof Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, restoring international borders should not be done hastily.

"While we recognize the importance of reopening the borders, we may need to proceed with caution by balancing the need for a good health protocol at the point of entry," said Prof Neethiahnanthan, who is also the executive dean of Taylor's University's Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management.

"The concept of health and safety should be given top priority considerations to ensure trust among international visitors and generate confidence in the local population that reopening our borders is a safe and smart step to balance lives and livelihoods," he added.

Prof Neethiahnanthan, on the other hand, believes that it is past time for Malaysia to let fully vaccinated travelers enter without having to go through quarantine.

"Perhaps a greater focus should be placed on making it essential for travelers and tour operators to use local travel agencies or tour operators." The hiring of licensed tour guides and the chartering of tour coaches are examples of this.

"This requirement will allay community concerns about safety and health risks because it will be the responsibility of travel agencies and tour operators to ensure compliance with local SOP by vaccinated tourist groups, boosting the tourism industry," he stated.

The journey ahead will be difficult.

Even after the country reopens its borders, tourism stakeholders must assuage travelers' worries of traveling in the aftermath of Covid-19.

Prof Neethiahnanthan believes that the aforementioned situation is likely.

"International travel will pick up gradually as travelers remain cautious in the aftermath of the pandemic." "Given the continued bad Covid-19-related developments around the world, I am not particularly enthusiastic about the pace of the travel resurgence," he said.

However, the scholar believes there is a chance to overcome this apprehension to travel.

"In reality, given Malaysia's track record on immunization rates, this is an opportunity for the Malaysian travel and tourism business," he stated.

The country's high vaccination rate, as well as its excellent healthcare facilities, will be valuable assets for the tourism business soon.

Prof Neethiahnanthan stated, "It creates trust and will allow international tourists to choose Malaysia as their top choice destination."

However, even with the reopening of borders, the tourism sector in Malaysia would continue to face challenges.

"Strong travel regulations, limited frequency of airlines to attract particular market segments, and hefty flying costs are among the external problems we see."

"We may face internal issues such as limited tourism products and services due to a labor shortage caused by the financial crisis, and most hospitality and tourism businesses are SME (Small and Medium Enterprises) that have experienced a volatile period during the crisis or have shut down operations," Prof Neethiahnanthan said.

Another issue is the Covid-19 testing, which may prevent visitors. Most nations are now allowing quarantine-free travel, however, a negative Covid-19 test result is still necessary both before and after departure.

While the requirement serves as a safeguard, Riad Asmat, chief executive officer of AirAsia Malaysia, warned it can be pricey for passengers.

The cost of PCR tests at some ports, as well as the demand for several tests for each person traveling, is a major issue.

"The tests can cost as much as, or perhaps more than, an AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, for example." "A fundamental issue restricting customer demand is the added cost and administrative hassle," he said.

The expense of PCR tests, according to Riad, is a major impediment to the reopening of the border. — Images courtesy of Filepics

AirAsia would like to see the introduction of RTK-Ag and RTK saliva self-test kits for screening purposes as the alternative to PCR to reduce costs and provide a more convenient solution.

For now, tourism players in the country need to start making preparations to receive tourists again.

“The hospitality and tourism stakeholders especially the hotel and F&B sectors would need to raise standards and sort out its manpower issues. Travel and tour operators and agents need to start drawing up their tour products and services, especially more innovative ones unlike the pre-pandemic era with clear safety and health protocols.

“On the ground, readiness is crucial in ensuring we reboot the tourism sector on the right path amid great optimism,” Prof Neethiah-Nathan concluded.


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