Ever since it was announced that interstate travel is allowed again, Malaysians went berserk and started planning their vacations almost immediately. On 19 December, pictures of the Langkawi jetty being crowded with Malaysians with no concerns regarding social distancing went viral.
The image even prompted a response from the Kedah State Health Committee Chairman Datuk Mohd Hayati Othman stating that there is a need to strictly observe the standard operating procedure (SOP) set by the government.
As further proof, pictures were posted on the Langkawi Kini Facebook group showing how the duty-free chocolates in one of the stores have been wiped clean by tourists.
“The chocolates have all finished after all the tourists ‘wiped it clean’. To all the chocolate lovers, hope you can stay calm after this.”
Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) chief executive officer Dr Ahmad Hezri Adnan told Bernama that they’re expecting to hit a target 250,000 tourist arrivals this month.
While it is reassuring that the tourism industry and local businesses are picking up after the slump, we also have to remember that the pandemic is NOT behind us. With cases fluctuating on a daily basis, we still need to be more careful and follow SOPs at all times. The last thing we need right now is another round of the MCO!
Also read: What SOP? Pictures Show Crowds of People Cramming Langkawi Jetty
