Two months on, hotel sector can now breathe a sigh of relief

Over the past two months, the hospitality and tourism sectors across the country, including Langkawi, have had a tough time during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period beginning March 18, 2020.

It was further extended with the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) effective June 9, 2020.

However, starting June 10, many in the field of hospitality can breathe a huge sigh of relief when the Recovery Movement Control (RMCO) Order is instituted, allowing domestic tourism activities to reopen.

Chairman of the Malaysia Hotel Association (MAH) for Kedah/Perlis Eugene Dass said he was very pleased with the latest developments and felt confident that it will help the domestic hotel sector to recover.

"The hoteliers, especially in Langkawi, a tourist destination, are pleased with the announcement because all this time, before the announcement was made, the hotel is always in the mood for social distancing, hygiene kits and staff training.

"Indeed, all hotels are ready and some have prepared attractive packages for domestic tourism," he said.

While acknowledging the difficult times during the MCO and the CMCO, he said all MAH members remained enthusiastic and adhered to the government's standard operating procedure (SOP).

In fact, they were always ready to face any eventuality.

"During the CMO, all members complied with everything the government had asked them to do.

"We have had a difficult time in two months, however, we are definitely ready to accept tourists again," he added.