The reopening of Sarawak's tourism sector began at a slow pace Wednesday as a number of outlets appeared to have not been completely opened or were still under restrictions.
Except for hotels and restaurants, other sectors including national parks were still closed while those allowed to resume operations are under strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Random checks by Bernama found that some hotels remained closed, while others apparently were still busy trying to comply with the SOPs to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The Kuching International Airport looked quieter than usual, except for local travellers.
Malaysian Association of Hotels Sarawak Chapter chairman Ibrahim Nordin told Bernama that overall the hotel industry in Sarawak was still running slow at an occupancy rate of between eight and nine per cent, compared to the average 30 per cent before the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.
"Some hotels chose to remain closed due to poor demand and the situation was even worse in April and May where the occupancy rates were zero, except for hotels gazetted as quarantine centres where the occupancy rates were about 60 per cent," he said.
Ibrahim said for this initial stage of the reopening, the state's hospitality industry was looking at the domestic leisure market which could benefit beach resorts.
"We are depending on the airlines to operate daily flights by next week when the cost of airfares is normal," he said, adding that there were some indications of reservations coming in rather slowly effective next week.
According to him, business recovery would take between six months and two years, and if the market continued to be weak, some hotels would choose to stop operations indefinitely or continue their temporary closures.
Meanwhile, Grand Margherita Hotel general manager Mark Furgeson said the 288-room hotel reopened to paying room guests on June 10, with only one guest checking in but it had steadily increased to 12 rooms last night. He said they are expecting a few local groups this month.
He said the Riverside Majestic Hotel (Puteri Wing and Astana Wing), which is in the same group of hotels as Grand Margherita, is still housing persons under surveillance (PUS) quarantine guests and therefore unable to accept paying customers.
"Except for the bars, the restaurants at Grand Margherita Hotel are now open and practising the new normal SOPs like taking temperature readings, recording participant details and social distancing in seating arrangements," he added.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Jun 17 2020
The reopening of Sarawak's tourism sector began at a slow pace Wednesday as a number of outlets appeared to have not been completely opened or were still under restrictions. -Filepix
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.