Tour operators cheer as M’sian theme parks gear up to reopen

Sunway Lagoon will fully reopen on July 4

The Malaysian government’s decision to reopen theme parks in the country from July 1 is a welcome move, said industry players.

The reopening comes after more than three months of closure, since the movement control order came into effect on March 18.

As part of the new normal, operators have to adhere to strict standard operating procedures (SOP), including taking visitors’ temperature, providing hand sanitisers, and ensuring visitors observe social distancing at all times.

Water park operators also need to follow the SOP and guidelines issued by local authorities pertaining to the management and maintenance of public pools as well as monitoring pool water quality. Health Ministry director-general, Noor Hisham Abdullah, advised operators during a recent press briefing to enhance cleaning measures in the pool.

Welcoming the reopening of theme parks, Nigel Wong, honorary secretary-general at the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, called it “a necessary step in reviving domestic tourism”.

Uzaidi Udanis, president, Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association, added: “The big theme parks in Malaysia are anchors in attracting tourists to the area. Retailers surrounding the theme parks such as food outlets and souvenir shops will benefit from the theme park traffic.”

Malaysia has 54 theme parks which employs around 10,000 people.

-TTG Asia.