Pulau Tioman, Genting tourism bubble put on hold

The tourism bubble at Pulau Tioman and Genting Highlands, scheduled to begin on Oct 1, has been suspended indefinitely, says Tourism Pahang general manager Kamaruddin Ibrahim.

He said the move followed the statement by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob that the reopening of island resorts and tourism centres or destinations and interstate travel would only be allowed when the vaccination rate of the country’s adult population reaches 90%.

“Following this, only those in Pahang are allowed to travel to tourist destinations in the state while adhering to strict SOPs.

“For out-of-state tourists who have already made reservations, we ask that they contact the tourism operators for advice, either to postpone their trip or otherwise,” he told reporters today after reviewing the implementation of SOPs at the Teluk Gading ferry jetty in Pulau Tioman.

The tourism, arts and culture ministry had reportedly proposed that after Langkawi in Kedah, three other destinations, namely Genting Highlands, Tioman and Melaka, be reopened to tourists under the domestic tourism bubble.

Kamaruddin said among the SOPs imposed in Tioman were that visitors must be fully vaccinated and submit the results of their Covid-19 screening tests before boarding the ferry.

He said if visitors choose to conduct their own Covid-19 test, they can buy the kit at the jetty or elsewhere but the test must be done at the jetty terminal.

“Individuals who have the test done at a clinic must produce the test results for verification before they are allowed to board the ferry.

“Visitors having undergone the test will give tour operators the confidence to receive tourists,” he said.

In line with Pahang’s transition to Phase Three of the National Recovery Plan, he voiced hope that the state’s residents would in turn help boost the sector which had been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“After moving to Phase Three, many activities have been relaxed and inter-district travel is allowed. So I hope more people will visit the many interesting places in the state like Janda Baik, Rompin State Park and many others,” he added.