Hotels strictly follow new norms as domestic tourism picks up

 

KUALA LUMPUR: The hotel and tourism industry in Malaysia is cautious and ensures strict adherence to the new norms, especially now when an increasing number of people are travelling domestically.

The industry realises that the health and safety measures are necessary to safeguard Malaysians and prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Hyatt's Alila Bangsar sales executive Lee Siang Chin said the new norms were being followed by the hotel as per the government's call.

"There is no limit to check-ins for as long as we have enough rooms, but every customer must go through the MySejahtera screening as well as complete a declaration form of symptoms.

"As for housekeeping, we have two teams to ensure thorough room misting and changing of the bedsheets. "All the chemicals that we use are disinfectants and anti-bacterial," she added. 

Meanwhile, the Shangri-La Group adopted the "Shangri-La Cares" pledge a few months ago following the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO).

It is aimed at regaining the people's trust through efforts to keep its hotels clean and safe for guests.

Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa and Golden Sands Resort Penang communications director Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman said: "The health and safety of our colleagues and guests are of our utmost priority. 

"At Shangri-La, it is in our DNA to look after people, to anticipate their needs and go above and beyond to ensure they have a memorable experience."

The Golden Sands Resorts, Penang by Shangri-La is the first hotel in Penang to receive accreditation in line with recognised global best practices in prevention.

Suleiman said to reinforce the strong culture of health and safety, the Shangri-La Group ramped up training, learning and development resources for its staff on essential preparatory and preventive measures. 

This includes cleaning and sanitisation frequency, ultimately enabling them to better serve guests and safeguard their own well-being, he added.

Chief executive officer of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Yap Lip Seng said popular destinations have seen a pickup in hotel occupancy rates, particularly beach and island destinations such as Langkawi, Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian as well as Batu Ferringhi in Penang, Port Dickson and Melaka.

"These locations are recording occupancy rates ranging from 70 to 80 per cent on average, higher on weekends and holidays. "However, main cities and destinations dependant on flight arrivals are still low, such as Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Kedah as well as Sabah and Sarawak, averaging 10 to 30 per cent occupancy.

"Overall, the situation has improved compared with during the MCO. Hotels in general are offering extensive promotions and discounts to attract locals."

Yap said MAH had also introduced its own hygiene and safety label, the "Clean and Safe Malaysia" certification, incorporating base regulatory requirements with best practices from major hotel brands internationally.

For more information, go to https://www.infosihat.gov.my/images/media_sihat/normabaharu/HTML/

-nst online.