Melaka Makes U-Turn Decision To Not Open Up For Domestic Tourism Come 1 October

Despite being granted the travel bubble, Melaka’s tourism sector is not ready and wants at least 90% of the population to be fully vaccinated.

Yusof Mat Isa @ Malay Mail / Sharon Ang @ Pixabay

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Malaysians breathed a sigh of relief and let out a sound of excitement when it was announced that three more tourist destinations would be allowed to open up to tourists soon.

For Klang Valley folks, Melaka was one of the places on top of their lists of places to visit.

TRP even prepped readers with some unique attractions they could check out there and food they could chomp down on.

It seems the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (and to an extent – TRP as well) were a little ahead of themselves because Melaka’s tourism sector is now saying they are NOT opening its doors to domestic tourists on 1 October as proposed.

Here are 5 reasons why:

1. The country’s population needs to have more fully vaccinated adults

Melaka’s Chief Minister Sulaiman Md Ali announced today that the state would only open after 90% of the country’s adult population is fully vaccinated. This is also in line with what Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said yesterday (23 September) about the green light for interstate travel and tourism activities.

2. Prioritise safety of tourists

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Melaka Chapter chairman Goh Hock Gin said tourists, along with their members, need to be prioritised and urged only those who have completed their two doses and show no symptoms within two weeks of vaccinations would be allowed into the state.

3. Swab tests for tourists to be made more available

Goh suggested that a mechanism should be put in place to conduct swab tests for tourists, especially those staying in hotels.

4. Clearer standard operating procedures (SOP) needed

According to The Star, Goh also said a more defined SOP is needed before the industry is allowed to operate – this includes the relevant authorities to regulate short-term rentals as hotels have a standardised SOP and can manage any influx of guests accordingly.

5. Jonker Walk Night Market is not ready to restart

Although there are many things Melaka is famous for, the Jonker Walk night market is arguably one of the most popular places to visit.

That said, the Jonker Walk management committee deputy chairman Datuk Gan Tian Loo said the iconic night market will not reopen despite the travel bubble granted to Melaka.

They are waiting for the National Security Council to give the green light to reopen and are expected to resume activities by December.

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