Kedah Exco: Impose Stricter SOPs for Tourists from China, No Need to Deny Their Entry into M’sia

With the Covid-19 cases in China skyrocketing, many countries have started to tighten their security measures at the borders, and with the concern about the possibility of another round of MCO, many Malaysians have urged the government to deny entry for tourists from China.

As for Kedah Tourism Committee Chairman Mohd Firdaus Ahmad, he said that there is no need to ban Chinese tourists from entering our country as it’s not fair for them.

“Covid-19 is increasing in other countries too, not just China”

Instead of straight-up denying entry, Firdaus said imposing stricter SOPs for Chinese tourists will be a better option. To deny them entry is simply unfair as China is not the only county that is experiencing a surge in Covid-19 cases.

“If they are tested negative, then they should be allowed to travel anywhere within the country. We have learnt this in managing the pandemic back in 2020,” he explained.

Firdaus added that if there are no recommendations from health experts, then there is no point to ban tourists from China to enter our country.

Do your part

In the meantime, New Straits Times reported that Firdaus encouraged the tourism businesses in Kedah, particularly in Langkawi to do what’s necessary in preventing the spread of the Covid-19 virus, such as testing the visitors upon their arrival.

“This will allow them to manage the risk of Covid-19 transmission and protect their premises.”

The government has also suggested to impose Covid-19 RTK antigen tests on inbound visitors 48 hours prior to their arrival and upon their arrival. This is done to ramp up the tourism sector in Langkawi which is still “healing” from the pandemic, and the island should welcome visitors to keep the tourism sector alive.

Just recently, the Ministry of Health announced that visitors arriving from China will need to have their temperatures scanned, and travelers who have visited China in the past 14 days will have to do the mandatory RTK test. Do you think stricter measures, instead of a blanket ban will work in preventing the spread of the virus?

Also read: Didn’t Get Covid? South Korean Doctor Says That’s Because You Have No Friends!