With the implementation of movement controls and the closure of the country’s borders to international tourists since March this year, the Malaysian tourism industry is bearing the brunt of the COVID-19 outbreak. In fact, the country recorded only 4.25 million tourist arrivals in the first half of 2020, which is a 68.2 per cent drop compared to the same period in 2019.1 The effects of the pandemic has not only adversely affected the local tourism industry, but its effects can also be seen beyond Malaysia’s borders.
INTI International University’s Intensive English Programme student Kaito Fukagawa (centre) and his friends enjoying the beautiful beaches of Langkawi.
Determined to revive the tourism industry, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry is focusing its efforts on domestic tourism and positioning Malaysia as a safe holiday destination. When the government announced that interstate travel was allowed during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) from June 10th, staff and students of INTI International University & Colleges took the opportunity to go for a long-awaited break away from home and contribute to the local tourism industry.
Respecting standard operating procedures
For Winson Mok, besides the need to follow standard operating procedures (SOP) related to COVID-19, the lack of crowds in holiday hotspots was a welcome change at the Club Med Cherating, Pahang. The resort holds a special place in his heart as it is where he got his first job as a tour guide and bartender at the age of 18.
“The resort was extra calm and peaceful this time around as there were less guests. Despite the RMCO, shows and activities went on as usual but with proper SOPs and social distancing.
“Everyone knows about the amazing outdoor activities that Club Med offers its guests, and the night-time entertainment is just as spectacular. There is usually a party at night where people dance and drink, however, this time you were required to dance at least one metre apart from the next person. You know, for social distancing,” he said with a laugh, adding that he and his friend continued their holiday in Kuala Terengganu after leaving the resort.
Afdhal Izan, senior officer at INTI College Sabah’s Student Services Department, Timetabling Unit & Scholarship and Study Loans Office, believes that one can never be too careful with the current circumstances and it is important to stay safe if choosing to travel.
The silver lining to this pandemic, he said, is that it allowed him to travel within his own country and experience what local destinations have to offer.
“I started backpacking solo since I was 18 and I used to think that foreign countries were more beautiful than my own. The pandemic changed my mind as I saw what our nation has to offer. There are so many places in Malaysia that I haven’t explored and I look forward to creating more memories here,” said the 21-year-old who is currently pursuing his Diploma in Mass Communication at INTI International College Subang.
Meanwhile, Japanese nationals Momoka Kumagae and Kaito Fukagawa, were among a group of Intensive English Programme students from INTI International University who explored the picturesque island of Langkawi, Kedah.
Although she loved the breath-taking scenery of the island most known for mystical legends, beaches, rainforests, and affordable duty-free shopping, Momoka said having to adhere to the SOPs made this holiday a different one.
“I felt like I couldn’t enjoy the fresh air as much with the mask covering my mouth and nose. It was also very tiresome to have to provide my details and do temperature checks before entering a restaurant or souvenir shop,” she shared.
Kaito, on the other hand, was unaffected by the extra precautionary measures put in place and had a blast with activities such as island hopping, mangrove tours, and eagle watching.
“I enjoyed all the activities we did, even if I had to wear a mask. I did not feel restricted, nor did I feel inconvenienced. In fact, my friends and I spent a lot of our time participating in water activities like banana boating, parasailing, and kayaking. I remember us kayaking in a small lake near some mountains and our kayak often sank!” he laughed, adding that they may have been too heavy for the kayak.
Rejuvenating the mind, body, and soul
INTI International University Centre of Liberal Arts and Languages Head of Programme Intan Syafinaz Mohmad Rozee headed for a beach getaway with her parents and sister at Desaru in Johor during the RMCO. While she said the trip was nothing out of the ordinary, she admitted that it was one that that whole family needed.
“I live with my parents and I saw how the global pandemic had negatively affected them, it was a tough time to be stuck at home for months. This trip brought back smiles and laughter, so it made a difference to all of us,” she said.
Intan Syafinaz also shared how, instead of plying the highway to get to Johor, they decided to take the trunk road from Nilai, stopping every now and then to savour some of the best food Malaysia has to offer. She added that they even queued for an hour to get a seat at the famous Kluang Railway Station Coffee Shop.
“Though uneventful, it was a memorable one for me and my family. A lot of our time was spent enjoying the beach, the sound of the waves, and feeling the wind on our faces. Who knew that we would come to really appreciate these little pleasures in life?” she said.
Nurizzaida Mohd Awal, an administrative assistant at INTI International College Kuala Lumpur, poses with her family members during their trip to Pulau Sibu.
Taking extra precautions to stay safe
As someone who has always enjoyed indoor activities like reading, video games, and binging on online shows and movies, Afdhal Izan said the pandemic had given him plenty of time to do the things he loved. However, it also strangely made him miss the outside world.
“It got me thinking about how much I miss the sound of nature, the feeling of tired limbs after hiking for hours and the overall calmness of not being cooped up indoors. I took several trips within Sabah, just to visit Inobong, Kokol Hill, and Nohutu,” said Afdhal who is a senior officer at INTI College Sabah’s Student Services Department, Timetabling Unit & Scholarship and Study Loans Office.
Still wary of the country’s COVID-19 situation, he said he only made day trips as he was still unsure of staying in commercial accommodations.
“You can never be too careful with the current circumstances. Keeping everyone home is ideal, but if people want to travel then it is important to stay safe. Another thing that has changed during these trips is that we took less group photos. Besides, with everyone wearing masks it does not really make for nice shots,” he said with a smile.
INTI International University Centre of Liberal Arts and Languages Head of Programme Intan Syafinaz Mohmad Rozee snaps a photo with her parents while they relax on the beach after being stuck at home for months.
Meanwhile, Nurizzaida Mohd Awal, an administrative assistant at INTI International College Kuala Lumpur, also took extra precautions when she travelled to Pulau Sibu in Mersing, Johor in August 2020. The mother-of-two said the six-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur to Mersing was a challenging one.
“I have a toddler and a three-month-old in the car with me. Before the pandemic we were able to make a pitstop at an R&R along the highway, but because of the pandemic, we would only stop when it was absolutely necessary to go to the toilet or refuel,” she said.
Nurizzaida, who is fondly known as Izzy, said the jetty where they boarded a ferry to the island would usually be crowded with tourists, but not this time. Besides her entourage of 10 families, there was nobody else and the nearby shops were not open due to the lack of customers.
“An island holiday was the perfect way to relax. The kids were excitedly looking for seashells while the men in the family took to fishing. It was a reminder for me that no matter how much you earn or what your position is in a company, your family will still be your top priority. So, cherish every moment,” she said, adding that the pandemic was a wake-up call for many.
According to Joanna Kong Pei Yi, Head of Programme at INTI College Sabah’s School of Hospitality, safety and hygiene are quickly becoming trends in the local tourism industry.
“It has never been more vital to have SOPs that are well implemented and taken seriously. Technology such as contactless payments, which helps reduce contact between people, is also important. These measures will strengthen people’s trust and confidence in the industry,” she said.
The tourism and hospitality industry will not be the same, she said, adding that the sales of food and beverages as well as rooms are considered as perishable items and are unlikely to be profitable.
“Therefore, to revamp their businesses, hotels must ensure guest and employee protocols are in place to ensure all individuals are healthy. Meanwhile, stakeholders should invest in digital technology to improve customer experience. These approaches will build credibility and the capability to overcome this global problem while offering safe and economical experiences to customers in the new normal,” she concluded.