LETTER | In the last seven months, the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted Malaysia and the rest of the world. Some of the industries most affected were travel and tourism. However, as we have entered the recovery movement control order (MCO) phase, there are certainly positive signs underway.

With interstate travel now permitted, we are also seeing Malaysians do their part in supporting domestic tourism by taking “Cuti-Cuti Malaysia” holidays. This is a good sign for the economy, but health and safety also need to be prioritised.

The two important areas that we have to look into to prevent a Covid-19 infection is first, keeping our immune system strong with the right lifestyle measures, and secondly, avoiding a viral load by the right preventive measures, namely social distancing, hand washing and hygienic practices and a face mask when necessary.

Now that the government is in talks to slowly open up its borders, it is very important that the different stakeholders in the travel and hospitality industry are going to balance the need for business and at the same time ensuring more controlled numbers and taking all the necessary precautions.

The other important thing is getting the information from the right sources. For the Covid-19 pandemic, our Health Ministry and the World Health Organization are the right agencies to get our information. Getting information from the wrong sources can lead to more anxiety and fear.

The same goes for the travel and tourism industry. As more people get ready to travel again, among the best sources of information include global protocols from the World Travel and Tourism Council and Airbnb, which just launched its Enhanced Clean programme offering enhanced cleaning protocols which are endorsed by the Malaysian Medical Association. These guidelines take into account necessary measures that need to be taken to prevent any infection. We do not want a second wave to occur here as it did in some parts of China and South Korea.

In conclusion, I believe all the stakeholders involved, whether hotels or short term accommodation, will do their best to be responsible and take the necessary precautions.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.