Langkawi to be part of travel bubble project for re-opening of tourism sector

Putrajaya is considering making Langkawi part of a pilot project on travel bubble destinations to re-open the tourism sector long ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced today.

He said the government is studying views and feedback on the matter as the percentage of vaccinated population grows.

“The health ministry and health experts have advised the government to implement the plan only once the population of Langkawi reaches a vaccination rate of at least 80%,” he said in a statement announcing more resumptions of economic activities nationwide.

Muhyiddin said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Nancy Shukri is currently studying the proposal in consultation with the relevant experts.

He said under the plan, tourists to Langkawi must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

He said the plan could be extended to other travel destinations where tourist exit points can be effectively controlled.

“The matter is still at the planning stage and the government will look at the results of the pilot project (in Langkawi) first.

“If all goes well, the tourism bubble will be extended,” he said.

The tourism ministry said last month that Langkawi alongside Kuching had been selected as pilot travel destinations for the three-phase Covid-19 Free Destination Programme.

The programme was to be expanded to other resort islands such as Redang, Perhentian, Pangkor and Tioman under the second phase, as well as main attractions in states like Johor, Melaka, Penang and Sabah.

The third phase meanwhile was to involve other main destinations in the country.