Highlands, eco-tourism destinations and beaches in Pahang top choice after CMCO ends

Tourist attractions and beaches in Pahang appear to have returned to life.

-NSTP/FARIZUL HAFIZ AWANG

KUANTAN: Tourist attractions and beaches in Pahang appear to have returned to life as visitors begin to travel interstate.

After the tourism industry come to a standstill due to the Covid-19 pandemic, highlands, eco-tourism destinations and beaches here are back in high demand after the Conditional Movement Control Order(CMCO) ended on June 10.

State Tourism and Culture Ministry director Datuk Edros Yahya said the move to allow interstate travel has resulted in an increase in visitors at popular destinations.

"The Deerland Park in Lanchang and some resorts in Janda Baik in Bentong have opened for business, and received groups of visitors during the weekend. Cameron Highlands has been among the top destinations as people started to arrive when interstate travel was allowed on Wednesday.

"There has been demand at the highlands, eco-tourism destinations and beaches as people want to leave the comfort of their homes and travel to relax after spending weeks at home due to the Movement Control Order (MCO). Even foreign tourists (who remained in the country during the CMCO) took the opportunity to travel and explore Pahang," he said when contacted.

Edros, who visited several tourist destinations over the weekend to check on the preparedness to abide by the new normal, said operators have been reminded to follow the new standard operating procedures (SOPs).

"Operators have made the necessary preparations under the new normal including preparing hand sanitisers and ensuring social distancing. Most visitors would bring their own hand sanitisers and wear face masks when they are out at tourist spots.

"The tourism office distributed posters supplied by the health department on the SOPs to tour operators to ensure they follow guidelines and advise visitors to follow the dos and don'ts. We want people to unwind and ensure they remain healthy," he said.

Meanwhile, State Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin said it was a matter of time before the tourism sector gets back on track.

"A majority of the tourism sites throughout the state have resumed business and some are in the midst of reopening their premises. Taman Negara in Jerantut will reopen tomorrow," he said when contacted.

Last week, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail launched a state level TPN Virtual Advisory Clinic (T-VAC) in collaboration with Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) and Tourism Productivity Nexus (TPN) to help rebuild Pahang tourism.

T-VAC is a one-on-one online consultation service for industry players from various sectors to get advice from individuals who have in-depth experience, knowledge, and expertise of the respective industry.

-nst online.