Issue 16.2 – #PusingSelangorDulu
Since the second quarter of 2021, COVID-19 has been raging mercilessly throughout the world, especially due to the more transmissible Delta variant, leaving paths of despair and deaths. The number of infections in Malaysia alone even reached close to 24,000 at one point, and then averaged out between 18,000 and 20,000 daily, including over 200 COVID-19 deaths per day, high among those who possess pre-existing health conditions and comorbidities. Upon closer inspection, only less than 2% of the COVID-19 cases are categorised as severe and require admission into the intensive care units, while the remaining 98% are asymptomatic or having light symptoms and can be quarantined at home.
As of September 2021, the intensive care unit (ICU) beds in Sabah, Kedah and Perak hospitals experienced overcapacity, while Selangor, Kelantan, Penang and Johor were close to full capacity. To reduce casualties, the Malaysian government deploys resources at these states, including mobilising the Malaysian Armed Forces’ assets, expertise and manpower to support the struggling healthcare system. In time, the once overburdened nationwide healthcare system has slightly eased due to the aggressive vaccination drive.
It is evident that by getting as many people in Malaysia vaccinated as fast as possible, the country has reduced the severity of COVID-19 infections. At the current vaccination rate, the newly appointed Minister of Health Khairy Jamaluddin bin Abu Bakar anticipates that 80% of the Malaysian population would have been inoculated by end of October 2021, which by then render the COVID-19 spread as endemic, in line with the trends seen across the world. Therefore, like it or not, we have no choice but to accept the fact that we need to live with COVID-19 by adapting to the new norms.
Amidst all this, seeing there is light at the end of the tunnel, the Malaysian government announced on 2 September 2021 that Langkawi is the first COVID-19-free destination to open to local tourists beginning 16 September 2021, subject to stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs), considering over 80% of the island’s population have already been fully vaccinated.This pilot project is critical in determining the feasibility of reopening tourism destinations during the new normal to get the economy going since tourism destinations in Malaysia are heavily reliant on tourist arrivals and spending. Only fully vaccinated travellers (those who have received their second dose for more than 14 days as well as 28 days for those receiving single dose vaccines such as Johnson & Johnson or Cansino) are allowed to enter Langkawi, as long as they can present legitimate proof of ticket and accommodation bookings when applying for police permit prior to travelling. No doubt, the reopening of Langkawi excites many travellers, who themselves can’t wait to pack their bags and explore exotic locales again.
Should the project prove successful, it would then be extended to the other island destinations like Redang, Perhentian, Pangkor and Tioman once 80% of these islands’ population are fully inoculated. Compared to Peninsular Malaysia mainland, Sarawak and Sabah, controlling people’s movements in these islands is probably easier, hence the decision to designate them as COVID-19-free bubbles. It can’t be stressed enough that the travelling public must continue to don face masks properly when being in public, keep their hands consistently clean by washing with soap or sanitising them often, and maintain social distancing. Just because those who reside in Malaysia can now travel further, albeit domestically, this does not mean they can abandon the SOPs and health protocols; it is imperative for each one of us to responsibly play our part by ensuring that we take necessary precautions and measures when travelling so as not to endanger ourselves but also others. Hope we can all begin relishing some semblance of life pre-COVID-19 by adhering to the SOPs for the sake of our own livelihood and sanity.
However, those who are not be able to go to Langkawi for the time being can instead proceed to getaway spots closer to home. Klang Valley residents could instead opt to become tourists in their own backyards by revisiting Kuala Lumpur’s attractions (page 76), checking out cafes in Taman Desa (page 94), acquainting themselves with the delights found in Kajang (page 104) and frolic around Sepang (page 120). Once the COVID-19 situation improves, travellers should also head over to Perak (page 44) and Johor, especially to the up-and-coming Desaru Coast (page 98) and staying at the newly opened Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre (page 124), including the Hotel Seri Malaysia properties in Kepala Batas and Alor Setar (page 128). Again, be sure to follow the SOPs wherever you are heading.
On that note, stay healthy and safe everybody!
JUHAN KAMARUDDIN @ JEREMY KHALIL
Email your comments to jeremy@gayatravel.com.my
Cover illustration by: Mohd Asyraff Bin Abd Rajak
Photo by: Tourism Selangor
DEPARTMENTS
Page 14. Editorial Jottings
GAYA SPECIAL FEATURE
Page 16. Tourism Malaysia and LADA Gained International Recognition at PATA Gold Awards 2021
Page 30. Enhancing Islamic Tourism Experience Through The Muslim-Friendly Tour Guide Programme
Page 60. Putrajaya Gears Up to Host IBBY International Congress 2022
Page 68. Tourism Selangor Celebrated its 20 Years of Excellence
Page 74. Ministry Of Housing And Local Government Strives For Community Wellbeing
Page 84. ITC Clinches Strategic Business Alliance Award in World Halal Best Brands E-Branding Awards 2021
Page 118. 5 Must-Try Kopitiams in Selangor
GAYA TRAVELLER
Page 21. Gaya Traveller‘s 60th Feature
DESTINATIONS
Page 44. #LepakPerakLah
Page 76. 6 Key Attraction that You Must Visit (and Revisit) in Kuala Lumpur
Page 88. Hiking in Malaysia after COVID-19 Lockdown – What to Expect
Page 94. 7 Establishments in Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur that You Might Have Overlooked
98. Experience Mother Nature at Desaru
104. Kajang Beyond Its Satay Reputation
120. Spunky Sepang
HOTELS & RESORTS
Page 124. Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre, Your Home in the City
Page 128. A Glimpse of Hotel Seri Malaysia in The Country’s Northern Region
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