Sabah to tighten tourism safety standards to boost tourist confidence

 

SANDAKAN: Sabah is moving to strengthen safety standards across its tourism industry amid growing concerns over unlicensed operators and rising expectations from international travellers, says Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan. 

The Deputy Human Resources Minister said the Safety Induction for Tourism Industry (Siti) programme would be expanded throughout the state to improve safety awareness and compliance at tourism destinations. 

He said international tourists were no longer looking only at attractions, but were also closely assessing safety, cleanliness and environmental conditions before deciding where to travel. 

“We know international tourists constantly look at safety aspects. Is safety guaranteed? They also look at cleanliness and pollution levels at tourism centres,” he said at the Youth Employability Empowerment Appreciation Ceremony programme here on Friday (May 15).

“That is why Siti will be expanded to tourism centres across Sabah. We know many tourism centres, especially resorts, do not have the proper licences. 

“This is one of the measures for us to better understand why they are unable to meet the standards that have been set,” he added. 

Khairul Firdaus also acknowledged that occupational safety and health awareness in Sabah remained relatively low, saying more exposure, workshops and training programmes were needed to improve industry standards.

He said the government, together with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), was working to expand more safety-related programmes and industry exposure across Sabah to strengthen the tourism ecosystem. 

Khairul Firdaus said strengthening workplace safety culture was becoming increasingly important as Sabah continued positioning itself as a major eco-tourism destination internationally. 

He said globally recognised attractions in Sandakan, such as Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Rainforest Discovery Centre, and Labuk Bay made it crucial for the state to maintain strong tourism safety standards. 

The programme also saw 28 students and lecturers from Sandakan Vocation College 2 undergoing tourism safety exposure training aimed at improving industry readiness among local youths. 

Meanwhile, the college’s director, Christine Stanislaus Kinsik, described the programme as a valuable advantage for students preparing to enter the tourism industry. 

She said students would normally have to obtain the certification on their own and bear the costs themselves, with many from Sandakan also needing to travel to Kota Kinabalu to attend the course. 

“This actually gives very good job opportunities to my students in the future. 

“We hope programmes like this can continue for youths,” she said, adding that such certification was increasingly important for those entering the tourism sector.

-thestar online.

MMEA assures maritime tourism safety ahead of VM2026

 

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency has given its assurances that the country's maritime tourism safety is under control and fully prepared to support the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. 

Its director-general, Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah, said as Malaysia's main maritime law enforcement and search-and-rescue (SAR) agency, MMEA is key to reassuring both domestic and international tourists in its waters. 

He said in 2025, MMEA carried out 256 SAR operations, rescuing 1,768 of 1,930 people, with 125 fatalities. 

"MMEA aims to prevent a rise in maritime accidents caused by negligence or poor safety awareness, especially among maritime tourists and operators," he said in a statement today. 

He said MMEA is on high alert to ensure maritime tourism activities are safe, secure, and standards-compliant year-round.

Rosli said maritime safety requires the commitment of boat operators, tourism agencies, and all involved, not just the MMEA.

"Following safety procedures, including wearing life jackets, carrying emergency kits and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), using registered and seaworthy boats, and checking weather conditions before going out to sea, is essential to prevent accidents and loss of life," he said. 

Rosli said, ahead of VM2026, special focus is on maritime tourism hotspots, including resort islands, coastal waters, ferry routes, and recreational sea activity sites, adding that their approach goes beyond enforcement, focusing on early prevention and safety monitoring to ensure tourists experience Malaysian waters as safe and well-managed. 

Meanwhile, he said MMEA will celebrate its 21st anniversary tomorrow in Miri, Sarawak, under the theme "21 Tahun Maritim Malaysia: Maritim Diperkasa, Samudera Terpelihara, highlighting its ongoing commitment to safeguarding the nation's waters. 

He said the celebration also strengthens ties among the MMEA, maritime communities, tourism and shipping industry players, and related agencies, while promoting maritime safety and public awareness of the agency's role in protecting national waters.

-nst online.

Sabah introduces new diving safety SOPs ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026

 

Sabah Dive Squad Club president Sim Fui (second from left) presents a token of appreciation to Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment permanent secretary Datuk Josie Lai during a courtesy visit here yesterday. - Courtesy of Sabah Dive Squad Club

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry has established a set of safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) for scuba diving activities in the state.

The move underscores the government's commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism in the lead-up to the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.

Sabah Dive Squad Club president Sim Fui welcomed the initiative, describing it as both timely and crucial in enhancing diver safety while supporting the state's tourism industry.

"Sabah is renowned for its beautiful diving spots from the state capital, Sepanggar, Kota Belud, Kudat, Lahad Datu, to Semporna.

"According to the Sabah Fisheries Department, the scuba diving industry has contributed over RM500 million to the state's revenue. That figure is a significant boost to Sabah's economy.

"However, it is concerning when diving accidents occur, especially those involving international visitors. Strengthening SOP compliance is essential to maintain our reputation as a world-class diving destination," he said in a statement.

Sim and the committee members from the club had paid a courtesy visit to the ministry's Permanent Secretary, Datuk Josie Lai at Wisma Tun Fuad Stephens here yesterday.

During the meeting, Lai had said that the ministry expressed its intention to release the SOP publicly soon and welcomed the club's support in educating industry stakeholders.

In line with this, the Sabah Dive Squad Club will be organising a safety and medical talk for its members on July 20, aiming to raise awareness and reinforce best practices among divers and operators.

The event follows recent incidents involving diver fatalities, some of which have been attributed to negligence.

"We welcome this collaboration with the ministry and will incorporate the updated SOPs into our upcoming safety talk.

"By engaging more stakeholders, particularly dive operators who work directly with clients, we hope to minimise diving accidents as much as possible."

-nst online.

Safety first for Mersing tourism industry players

 

EIGHT tourism industry operators were selected to be part of an Aquatic Competency Rescue Course, to ensure sustainability as well as safety of visitors to Johor’s islands.

The three-day programme was organised by Mersing District Council (MDM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malaysia.

MDM president Mohd Norman Noh said the programme was held as part of the local council’s plan for sustainable tourism. “We wanted to create more competent industry players in all aspects, especially those that involve safety,” he said.

He added that the candidates were taken to Southern Region Civil Defence Training Centre (Pulapas) in Kluang, Johor, to attend the course.

“Those selected are boatmen and chalet and resort operators, as well as island-hopping guides who work on islands off Mersing,” Mohd Norman said when contacted by StarMetro.

He said the candidates were also exposed to water rescue techniques, especially during emergency situations. “This course is important in increasing skills of the human capital and youths in Mersing,” he said, adding that it also stressed the importance of having knowledge about safety.

The candidates were also given practical training on swimming and aquatic rescue as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and water safety theory, said Mohd Norman.

Mohd Norman said the council had worked together with Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) Mersing in placing a mooring buoy in Pulau Besar. “This is part of our effort to protect and preserve the coral reefs around the island,” he said.

According to RCM Mersing programme manager Nazirul Amin Azmi, six mooring buoys were placed at four islands. Apart from Pulau Besar, the other islands are Pulau Tengah, Pulau Hujung and Pulau Harimau.

“This is one of our annual activities after the monsoon season ends and the islands are open for tourist activities.

“The mooring buoys will be used by boat operators to tie their boats during snorkelling activities instead of dropping anchors, which can damage reefs,” said Nazirul.

-thestar online.

Malaysia Aviation Group Announces Regional Partnership with hoolah, Enabling Travellers in Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong to Pay for Flights Over Time

 

Kuala Lumpur, 15 March 2022: Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of national carrier Malaysia Airlines, today announced a regional partnership with hoolah, Asia’s leading omnichannel Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) platform, to provide a seamless and convenient payment option for travellers.

Through this collaboration, travellers in Malaysia, Singapore and soon Hong Kong, can now book their getaway with MAG’s main airline, Malaysia Airlines online and pay for their flights via hoolah’s flexible three-month, interest-free payment option. This means that travellers can fly to their destination and enjoy their vacation before paying for the ticket in full, while spreading the cost over three monthly interest-free instalments.

This partnership comes at an opportune time as Malaysia recently announced the reopening of its borders on 1 April 2022, following a two-year closure brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a member of the Travel Safe Alliance Malaysia (TSAM), Malaysia Airlines will continue to facilitate safe and seamless travels to support the country’s #ReopeningSafely strategy.

Additionally, MAG has also launched hoolah’s BNPL offering on Journify, its integrated one-stop travel and lifestyle digital platform where travellers can discover new places such as attractions, foods, nature and more; plan their trips around Malaysia; and shop local products. Through this partnership, customers can shop seamlessly for products and services, and conveniently pay later.

Lau Yin May, Group Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer of Malaysia Airlines said, “We are excited to collaborate with hoolah as it provides another payment option and flexibility for customers to book their flights with Malaysia Airlines and shop on Journify. This marks our first-of-its-kind partnership with a BNPL provider in Asia, and it couldn’t be timelier as we anticipate growing demands for travel with the reopening of our borders soon. Malaysia Airlines is committed to facilitating safe and seamless travels to all our guests, and now, we are taking the worry out of planning a trip, as they’ll be able to book and enjoy their getaway ahead of time, before paying for their trip through interest-free instalments. We invite travellers to take this opportunity to explore new destinations and Fly Confidently with Malaysia Airlines, as we have put in place extensive health and safety measures on-ground and in-flight so travellers can have a fulfilling journey with Malaysian Hospitality.”

Arvin Singh, CEO and Co-Founder of hoolah said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Malaysia Aviation Group in Asia and support their business objectives as we push forward together to accelerate the recovery and growth of the travel and tourism industry. As countries in the region gradually open up their borders, we look forward to making travel more accessible and affordable for travellers, along with the flexibility to pay for their holiday over time.”

For more information and to book your next getaway, visit the official Malaysia Airlines website at www.malaysiaairlines.com and be sure to download the Malaysia Airlines' App to get the latest promotions conveniently at your fingertips anytime and anywhere!

-Malaysia Airlines.

Malaysia Aviation Group Reaffirms Its Support and Commitment for the Safe Reopening of Malaysia’s Borders

 

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) welcomes the announcement by Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, on the reopening of the nation’s borders and transition into the endemic phase beginning 1 April 2022. The move signifies a momentous occasion in the nation’s longstanding battle with the COVID-19 pandemic and a beacon of light for the economic recovery of industries, including aviation, which has been impacted significantly since Malaysia’s borders closed two years ago.

This achievement is a testament to the concerted efforts and dedication shown by the Government, its frontliners, and the public as a nation coming together for the greater good of all. As a country, Malaysia’s rampant and successful rollout of its vaccination programme was highly recognised at ensuring nobody was left behind. Under the leadership of YB Khairy Jamaluddin, accessibility to vaccines allowed for faster inoculation of the population, including the introduction of dedicated vaccination centres for frontline aviation personnel and staff. Through this initiative, MAG was able to fully vaccinate its operating pilots and cabin crew as early as August 2021, ensuring the safety of its workforce and the community in which it serves.

In support of the safe reopening of the nation’s borders, MAG will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Transport, in reinstating flights that have been temporarily suspended and also increase frequency to key markets, to facilitate connectivity as we anticipate the pent-up demand from inbound and outbound travellers. Through this crucial progress, we are looking to achieve approximately 70% of our pre-Covid capacity by end of 2022. MAG stands guided by the Government’s directives and appreciate Government’s intervention to simplify the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) so travellers entering Malaysia can do so seamlessly.

As an aviation player and travel services provider, MAG will continue to play its unique role to support Malaysia’s #ReopeningSafely strategy so passengers can Fly Confidently with Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, MASwings, and AMAL. As a member of the Travel Safe Alliance Malaysia (TSAM), MAG will continue to advocate and facilitate seamless, safe and hygienic travel experiences for all its guests, by ensuring high standards of safety and hygiene put in place throughout all travel touchpoints in line with its MHFlySafe initiative.

As a nation coming together and is transitioning into living and travelling with COVID-19, we urge communities to continue to remain vigilant to ensure the safety of themselves, and those around them too. MAG look forward to welcoming travellers to experience inimitable Malaysian Hospitality once again.

-Malaysia Airlines.

Malaysia Aviation Group Launches MHFlySafe Campaign and Logo, Reinforcing the Airline’s Commitment to Safety

 

KLIA, 24 January 2022: Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) today reinforces its commitment to safety and hygiene with the launch of its MHFlySafe campaign and logo, following a successful detailed audit by the Bureau Veritas Certification Malaysia on the Group airlines including Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, MASwings and AeroDarat Services, the ground handling expertise within the Group.

The certification validates the Group's health and safety standards with globally recognised best practices and recommendations, and marks a timely occasion, especially as the Group works with stakeholders and partners across the value chain to facilitate a seamless and safe experience for leisure and business travellers with the gradual reopening of borders.

MAG have recently signed an agreement with Bureau Veritas, the world leader in testing, inspection and certification to deploy the “SAFEGUARD” Hygiene Excellence and Safety Label, designed to support the operational restart of tourism and business activities of their airlines and ground handling services.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group, Captain Izham Ismail said, “We are delighted to have received certification for the “SAFEGUARD” Hygiene Excellence and Safety Label by Bureau Veritas, signifying that our efforts for safer and seamless travel meet international standards that are thoroughly assessed by an independent and globally recognized body. This is a testament of our commitment to putting safety and security at the core of what we do throughout our varying aviation business portfolios.

Our priority remains in ensuring the highest standards of safety and hygiene protocols to our passengers and employees to ensure that they are protected and enjoy a safe and comfortable at every step of the way. As the world is facing up against the fast-spreading Omicron variant we will continuously monitor and adjust our processes and policies according to the latest developments pertaining to health and safety SOPs from various authorities of respective countries that underpins our commitment under MHFlySafe campaign.”

MHFlySafe is an overarching campaign of MAG’s FlyConfidently campaign which was first introduced in July 2020 to raise public awareness of the health and safety measures taken by the Group. The effort was recognised by AirlineRatings, a worldwide airline safety and product rating review website, as Malaysia Airlines received a 7-star rating for its COVID-19 health and safety measures. Up to date, all operating Malaysia Airlines’ pilots and cabin crew are fully vaccinated.

MAG is also a member of Travel Safe Alliance Malaysia (TSAM), representing the aviation industry and recently has joined forces with the Penang State EXCO Office for Tourism and Creative Economy(PETACE) to raise confidence in the travel market in Penang state.

Head on to malaysiaairlines.com or download Malaysia Airlines’ App to get the latest information and make sure you never miss out exciting promotions and exclusives and book your next FlyMalaysia experience and Fly Confidently with Malaysia Airlines today! Customers are encouraged to keep themselves informed of the latest SOPs in place by the authorities to ensure their smooth travel.

-Malaysia Airlines.

Malaysia hotels woo travellers with safety label

Malaysia’s Clean & Safe label certification for the country’s hotels aim

to restore traveller confidence

The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) has launched the first industry-wide hygiene and safety label in the country amid the Covid-19 pandemic to give travellers peace of mind amid the pandemic.

Dubbed the Clean & Safe Malaysia, the certification programme is designed specifically for hotels and resorts in compliance with both local regulatory requirements and international standards.

This programme is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia, and will be the benchmark of hygiene and safety standards for the country’s hotel industry.

MAH CEO Yap Lip Seng said in a statement: “The Clean & Safe Malaysia hygiene and safety label extends beyond base regulatory requirements, with the ultimate goal of not only ensuring its implementation, but also continuous compliance for peace of mind of travellers staying at certified hotels.”

MAH has appointed Bureau Veritas Malaysia (BVM) as the independent auditor leveraging its global footprint and auditing expertise in more than 140 countries to deliver a consistent and uniformed solution to every participating hotel across Malaysia.

BVM will audit and monitor participating hotels throughout the entire certification period, and the general public can also access information of these hotels on its website.

Every certified hotel will be issued the Clean & Safe Malaysia label and certificate, complete with its very own QR code for referencing and verification purposes.

-TTG Asia.

Penang kickstarts Covid-19 safety accreditation programme for tourism industry

Penang has initiated a Covid-19 safety accreditation programme to emhance compliance of the tourism industry.

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has initiated a Covid-19 safety accreditation programme to emhance compliance of the tourism industry.

Taking a step ahead during this recovery period, the state government is the first in the country to start this initiative involving hotels, attractions and shopping malls.

State Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the objective of the accreditation programme was to emphasise the importance of safety and hygiene, two important elements to regain traveller's confidence in the long-term.

"As the tourism industry moves towards the new norm, these preparations and practices will be key to accelerate the tourism economy recovery efforts.

"At the same time, we need to educate the public. This initiative is aligned with the state's direction to promote responsible tourism among the players and visitors.

"This is important to ensure Penang is in a position to capture growth and rebound at the right opportunity," he said today.

The accreditation, Yeoh said, would be issued to tourism industry establishments that meet and adhere to strict hygiene and safety standards set by the local authorities, namely the state Health Department, Penang Island and Seberang Prai City Councils, Penang state Exco Office for Tourism, Arts Culture and Heritage (PETACH) and the Penang Global Tourism (PGT).

"These authorities will firstly carry out a thorough audit to ensure all standards are fulfilled before validating them to receive the Covid-19 safety accreditation from PETACH," he said.

Those that fulfil the Covid-19 safety accreditation standard will be given the official certification mark or logo to be displayed at their premises and for use in advertising and promotional materials.

Yeoh said the authorities would carry out continuous checks on those that received the accreditation to ensure the standards are met and maintained.

All relevant documents including application forms can be downloaded from https://penanglawancovid19.com/accreditation

Those interested to participate can submit their application through email to covid19accreditation@penangglobaltourism.com for approval.

Despite the fluctuating numbers of Covid-19 cases in the country, there has been no positive cases for the past 70 days in Penang and it has been successfully maintaining its green zone status thus far.

Furthermore, Penang has also achieved a 98 per cent compliance rate since the Movement Control Order (MCO) implementation by the Federal Government.

-nst online.

Will a digital health passport help us fly again?

Biometric identification that helps verify an individual’s health status can help restart air travel

National governments in Asia, Australia and Europe have rolled out contact-tracing apps to curb the spread of Covid-19 on home soil, but what if similar technology could be harnessed in the skies and effectively bring the travel industry back to life?

• Biosecurity clearance that supports a ‘test and trace’ approach is recommended

• Study shows consumers are willing to sacrifice privacy for right to travel

• Implementation is, however, easier said than done

National governments in Asia, Australia and Europe have rolled out contact-tracing apps to curb the spread of Covid-19 on home soil, but what if similar technology could be harnessed in the skies and effectively bring the travel industry back to life?

This may seem far-fetched, but later this month, a blockchain-powered health app, which has been backed by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), will be tested on a flight from Madrid to Canary Islands.

The Health iCard App, known as Hi+ Card, was developed by Madrid-based Tourism Data Driven Solutions (TDDS) and securely stores medical records to certify that travellers are Covid-free.

In a statement, TDDS CEO, Antonio López de Avila, said the app is compliant with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and creates a unique Digital ID for each user based on data supplied by a national authority and accredited health entities.

“So, there is no chance of creating fake profiles or manipulating the medical records. Users ask these entities to directly store the info, in a cryptographic and secure way, in their profiles using the blockchain,” he said.

A similar app has also been developed by the International Chamber of Commerce, which teamed up with a number of global organisations, including medical and security services firm International SOS, to develop ICC AOKpass.

“The app allows users to privately and securely verify their health information with third parties anytime, anywhere,” AOKpass co-founder Dorjee Sun told TTG Asia.

“It can adapt to whatever rules apply to any given country, based on medical science, regulation and best practice as they evolve,” he said.

Biosecurity is the new normal

Global leaders in the travel and tourism industry also support the use of biometric identification to help kick-start regional and international travel.

On June 25, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) released a new set of guidelinesthat advocate a ‘test and trace’ approach to replace “highly damaging” quarantine measures.

“This is consistent with advice from WHO (World Health Organization) and other leading health authorities that the best way to control and reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus, is through early identification of carriers to ensure they don’t travel,” WTTC president & CEO, Gloria Guevara, said.

WTTC’s advice includes the systematic roll-out of biometric identification at each stage of the travel journey.

Responding to questions by TTG Asia, a WTTC spokesperson said the organisation supports technologies that establish a traveller’s identity using government-issued ID (like a passport for international travel or a driver license for domestic travel) and integrate biometrics such as e-certificates for Covid-19 testing and/or vaccination.

“Test certificates, for travel use, are defined by governments and should include test result, date of the test, test type, testing location, and test result. In the immediate term, as tests are not broadly available, a self-declaration symptoms questionnaire may be required,” the spokesperson said.

Creating a global standard?

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) also supported the use of biosecurity measures as part of a “layered approach” to reopen borders.

“There is no single measure that will reduce risk and enable a safe re-start of flying. But a layering of measures that are globally implemented and mutually recognised by governments can achieve the needed outcome,” IATA director general and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac, said.

The recent opening of travel bubbles in Europe and a ‘green lane’ between Singapore and China are examples of such ‘mutually recognised’ measures. But these are in their infancy and, for the most part, based on bilateral agreements.

If there’s any hope of reviving the international travel industry before the discovery (and deployment) of a vaccine, a digital heath passport must be recognised globally.

According to PATA CEO Mario Hardy, that’s easier said than done.

“The WHO, ICAO and other UN agencies can certainly recommend best practices, but may not have the ability to enforce adoption. In order to be valid, a digital health certificate/passport would have to be issued by governmental health authorities,” he said.

Hardy suggests the best way forward is to incorporate health information into existing processes such the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), which the airline industry uses to transfer security information to government authorities.

“In addition, rapid testing needs to be available at departure/arrival and for that information to be transmitted to the destination’s health authorities as well as recorded in a contact tracing app,” he said. “There are several variations of this scenario being discussed with authorities around the globe, however none of them are 100 per cent perfect.”

Privacy concerns

Apps like AOKpass, according to Sun, can help to connect the various checks and balances that exist in each country, while also ensuring the strict protection of personal data.

“If different and incompatible digital health passport systems are adopted across countries, this will substantially increase the time and cost for government authorities, businesses and travellers to comply,” he explained.

“Digital health passports that rely on centralised systems to access/store personal health data will also infringe on the privacy rights of individuals.”

After months of lockdown, travellers may even be more willing to share their personal data if it means a safe return to the skies.

A recent survey by telehealth and travel insurance provider, Global Rescue, revealed that 91 per cent of travellers are prepared to share personal medical history and their travel plans as a pre-condition to returning to travel.

Travel agents play a guiding role

Digital solutions that enable a ‘low-touch’ travel experience will likely prevail. Cybersecurity will therefore be a key concern moving forward, as will compliance to data privacy laws and rebuilding trust with clients.

President of the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS), Steven Ler, said travel agents will need to help clients navigate the brave new world of tracking technology, and provide additional aid to elderly travellers who may be less tech-savvy.

Ongoing communication and engagement with clients will also prove crucial on the road to recovery.

In a post-Covid world, travel and tourism will play a role in rebuilding societies and economies — but so will blockchain technology.

-TTG Asia.

WTTC unveils protocols for attractions, car hire and short-term rentals

WTTC has released a set of health and hygiene protocols which provide consistency to destinations and countries as well as guidance to travel providers operating

in the post-Covid-19 world

WTTC has launched its third phase of safety protocols to aid the reopening of global attractions, car hire companies and short-term rentals, in a bid to rebuild consumer confidence, reduce risk and encourage safe travels.

WTTC said it held detailed discussions with key stakeholders and organisations to ensure maximum buy-in, alignment and practical implementation. The measures help to set clear expectations of what travellers can experience in the ‘new normal’ which offer safe environments as travel restrictions are eased.

Backed by UNWTO, the WTTC protocols also take into account WHO guidelines, and the WTTC Safe Travels stamp recognises destinations, countries, businesses and governments worldwide which have adopted them.

WTTC divided the new guidance into four pillars: operational and staff preparedness, delivering a safe experience, rebuilding trust and confidence, and implementing enabling policies.

Measures include:

Attractions
• Encourage guests to buy advanced tickets online if possible, and considered timed entries and smaller groups
• Identify realistic capacities for attractions based on queue length, waiting areas, pre-shows and vehicle capacity; and adjust accordingly to allow for physical distancing
• Use of virtual queue systems, contactless touchpoints and payment where possible
• Personal protection equipment (PPE) available for all customer-facing staff
• Enhanced cleaning at high-frequency touchpoints
• Sanitise strollers, electric buggies and wheelchairs between every use if applicable
• Make available hand sanitisers in high-traffic areas such as entry, key walkways, F&B locations, merchandise shops and exits
• Consider increasing the number of performances and an end-of-show announcement to encourage guests to take their time exiting
• For water parks, evaluate closing or removing hands-on interactive features within play structures if they aren’t covered in treated pool water
• Encourage guests to reduce the number of personal items they bring into the venue

Car Rental
• Pre-arrival health declaration via email, if required and in accordance with GDPR
• Enhance cleaning to all offices, including check-in, counters, desktops, washrooms and any high-frequency touchpoints
• Encourage use of curb side pick-up and drop-off. Consider moving to a fully digital process including payments and limit physical interaction with staff
• Health/temperature checks, if recommended by legislation, and sanitation stations for customers through hand sanitisers in high-traffic areas
• Limit the number of people allowed per vehicle collection, as well as decreasing the number of people allowed in the car rental establishment at any one time
• All cars to be cleaned with a focus on high-frequency touchpoints

Short-Term Rentals
• Use of contactless technology to enable automation at check-in and payment where possible
• Minimise physical interaction when providing guests with keys, ideally in a contactless manner by offering self check-in and check-out, where possible
• Enhance sanitation, disinfection and deep cleaning practices as well as increasing their cleaning/disinfection frequency with a focus on high-frequency touchpoints
• Provide guests with physical distancing etiquette, including in elevators if relevant, through signage
• Make available hand sanitiser to guests at entrance of short-term rental

-TTG Asia.

MATTA push for hygiene accreditation to revive tourism industry

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) is calling for the government to develop and implement health and safety accreditation for tourism facilities to ease coronavirus fears among nervous travellers.

MATTA president Tan Kok Liang said in a media statement that the tourism industry has to tackle the core issue of health and safety confidence in travel as the new priority.

“No amount of digitalisation, promotions, incentives or freebies can directly help to create demand except to boost the much-needed confidence that it is safe to travel through coordinated efforts with the relevant authorities. The global private sector has aligned around the health and safety protocols to create consistency across the industry,” he said.

Noting local businesses operating at far below capacity, he urged authorities to replace the Stay At Home tagline with a more business-friendly one like Stay Safe so as “to portray a more positive message”.

With the battered global tourism industry facing headwinds as it maps out recovery strategies, Tan stressed that bolstering the confidence to travel among consumers is the key to recovery in tourism.

“The industry has grown very sensitive towards health and safety protocols due to the pandemic and attaining people’s trust will be a challenging task,” he said.

“Nonetheless, the desire to travel will not go away and many are hoping that they will be able to travel again within several months after restrictions are lifted. Issues such as privacy and cleanliness will become paramount as part of the new norm, keeping in mind the push-pull of people wanting to see the world while also wanting to stay safe.”

As such, Tan urged the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ministry of Health to initiate a health accreditation mark programme for the tourism value chain which includes aviation, hotels, tourism attractions, retail outlets, transportation operations, as well as cruises and F&B outlets.

Citing other nations doubling down on cleaning protocols and introducing health and sanitation accreditation to certify that its destinations are clean and safe, Tan said that it was vital for Malaysia to follow suit or risk trailing behind other destinations.

He elaborated: “For example, Visit Britain had recently announced plans for a ‘quality mark’ to be rolled out across the country. The mark will denote to potentially nervous customers that the operators are conforming to government regulations.

“The badge will act as a safeguard towards staff and visitors and earning it will require rigorous online training and assessment session focused on hygiene and physical distancing which suppliers will need to complete before self-certifying. Spot checks will be carried out and the mark will be stripped from any business that is found to be non-compliant.

“Additionally, countries like Turkey, Singapore, and Thailand are also developing and implementing a health and safety certification as a preventive and protective step for the tourists as well as to ensure that tourism is able to recover quickly once travel restrictions are lifted.”

Tan further stressed that these measures are necessary to rebuild confidence, as many tourism businesses start to embrace the new norms positively, in preparation for a return to normalcy.
-TTG Asia.

PDRM To Increase Staffing In Tourist Police Unit

MELAKA, April 9 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) intends to increase the number of tourist police unit personnel nationwide, especially in states that have become the focal points of tourists like Melaka.

Its Management Department director, Datuk Pahlawan Zulkifli Abdullah said besides Melaka, among the other states that would be taken into consideration for the additional personnel were Kedah (Langkawi), Penang, Sabah and Sarawak.

"This move is to ensure visitors at the top tourist spots will feel safe and comfortable. We are serious about the safety of not only locals but also foreign tourists who contribute to the country's economy.

"We are reviewing the number of personnel, especially the tourist police in Melaka, as the number is still small. Perhaps from the current nine personnel, we will increase the number to 30," he told reporters, here, Saturday.

Earlier, he attended the 'Meet-and-Greet programme in Bandar Hilir, here, which was also attended by Melaka police chief DCP Datuk Ramli Din and Melaka Tengah district police chief ACP Shaikh Abdul Adzis Shaikh Abdullah.

Zulkifli said his department had also proposed the establishment of a police horse unit in the state to assist the tourist police unit to monitor safety at the tourist spots.

At a separate press conference, Shaikh Abdul Adzis said an Indonesian maid was arrested on suspicion of stealing jewellery and cash totalling RM43,000, belonging to his employer at a house in Taman Bukit Piatu Mutiara, here, last Tuesday.

He said the woman, in her 30s, who had just started work there a week ago, was arrested at a house in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam, Selangor at about 12.30 pm yesterday.
-bernama.

KL Police To Increase Manpower At Popular Tourist Spots During VMY 2014

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 24 (Bernama) -- Kuala Lumpur police will increase their manpower especially at popular tourist spots in the city in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

Its chief, Datuk Mohmad Salleh, said the move was aimed at increasing public safety and security and ensuring that tourists would feel safe during their stay in Malaysia. He said the number of policemen and the motorcycle patrol unit would also be increased to strengthen the existing manpower.

"At present, the Kuala Lumpur police contingent has the strength of 8,500 personnel and the number will be increased, especially at popular tourist spots, such as Dang Wangi, Sentul, Brickfields and Cheras, as well as in the various shopping malls, Dataran Merdeka and Petaling Street."

Mohmad said this to reporters after a walkabout along Petaling Street and launched the Ops Selamat in conjunction with the Chinese New Year 2014 today. Also present was Kuala Lumpur CID deputy chief ACP Khairi Ahrasa.

Meanwhile, Khairi said the city police would distribute the clearer photofits of the suspects involved in the theft of a RM5.2 million diamond ring at a shopping mall here on Jan 16. "The clearer photofits of the suspects will be distributed soon to enable the public to channel information and facilitate in the investigation," he said.

In the 3pm incident last Thursday, two women and a child were reported to have entered an exclusive jewellery store at a shopping mall in Bukit Bintang here. The girl, aged between eight and 10, was later believed to have made her way to get a key which was on display before stealing the valuable ring and returning the key to the same place.
-bernama.