Zahid Hamidi: Do not forget about the Tourism Industry

It is known that there has been a lot of talk about easing travel restrictions among domestic tour players, especially with Covid-19 vaccine rolling out across the nation. Barisan Nasional Chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi shared his thoughts on the current situation of tourism sector, he mentioned that cross-district and state ban are hugely impacted on the tourism sector especially when travel related activities and tours are by the public.

On a Facebook post, Zahid Hamidi stressed on the fate of those that are involved directly and indirectly under the tourism sector, such as losses that are faced by hotel entrepreneurs and their workers, not only that, but it streams down to food traders, handcraft makers, clothing and many more small entrepreneurs who depends on tourist and visitors.

On the post, Zahid Hamidi said, “a few days ago we were informed that cross-border leisure of district and state will only be considered after 80% of citizens are vaccinated. I have been told that the National Covid-19 Immunization Program will ensure that ‘at least’ 80% of Malaysians are expected to receive vaccines by February 2022.”

The Barisan Nasional Chairman added that he was worried for most of the entrepreneurs and travel sector workers, especially if they had to survive for another year. Although the tourism industry is among the largest contributors to the income of the country this means many citizens will struggle, that is why Zahid Hamidi pointed out the importance of helping entrepreneurs in the tourism sector, so most of them could continue to ‘survive’ during these difficult times.

However, even if financial institutions are reasonable to extend the duration of loan repayment assistance, people cannot rely too much on their help because financial institutions are contributing to the economic development before and after the Covid-19 pandemic.