Editorial Jottings

Digital Illustration by Rain Hamzah (Facebook: Rain Hamzah

Since the second quarter of 2021, COVID-19 has been raging mercilessly throughout the world, especially due to the more transmissible Delta variant, leaving paths of despair and deaths. The number of infections in Malaysia alone even reached close to 24,000 at one point, and then averaged out between 18,000 and 20,000 daily, including over 200 COVID-19 deaths per day, high among those who possess pre-existing health conditions and comorbidities. Upon closer inspection, only less than 2% of the COVID-19 cases are categorised as severe and require admission into the intensive care units, while the remaining 98% are asymptomatic or having light symptoms and can be quarantined at home.

As of September 2021, the intensive care unit (ICU) beds in Sabah, Kedah and Perak hospitals experienced overcapacity, while Selangor, Kelantan, Penang and Johor were close to full capacity. To reduce casualties, the Malaysian government deploys resources at these states, including mobilising the Malaysian Armed Forces’ assets, expertise and manpower to support the struggling healthcare system. In time, the once overburdened nationwide healthcare system has slightly eased due to the aggressive vaccination drive.

It is evident that by getting as many people in Malaysia vaccinated as fast as possible, the country has reduced the severity of COVID-19 infections. At the current vaccination rate, the newly appointed Minister of Health Khairy Jamaluddin bin Abu Bakar anticipates that 80% of the Malaysian population would have been inoculated by end of October 2021, which by then render the COVID-19 spread as endemic, in line with the trends seen across the world. Therefore, like it or not, we have no choice but to accept the fact that we need to live with COVID-19 by adapting to the new norms.

Amidst all this, seeing there is light at the end of the tunnel, the Malaysian government announced on 2 September 2021 that Langkawi is the first COVID-19-free destination to open to local tourists beginning 16 September 2021, subject to stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs), considering over 80% of the island’s population have already been fully vaccinated.This pilot project is critical in determining the feasibility of reopening tourism destinations during the new normal to get the economy going since tourism destinations in Malaysia are heavily reliant on tourist arrivals and spending.

No doubt, the reopening of Langkawi excites many travellers, who themselves can’t wait to pack their bags and explore exotic locales again. However, only fully vaccinated travellers (those received their second dose for more than 14 days or 28 days for single dose vaccines like Cansino or Johnson & Johnson) who have tested negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours prior to travelling to Langkawi are allowed in. Travellers originating from states or territories other than Kedah and Perlis coming to Langkawi by land and ferry need to first apply for police permit by presenting legitimate proof of accommodation bookings on the island; they also must travel from their point of origin to Langkawi using transport service provided by a registered and licensed Malaysian tour operator. Those who travel by air do not need to apply for police permit. All travellers are strongly reminded to bring along or purchase COVID-19 saliva self-test kits at any of Langkawi’s entry points, where they need to be tested before proceeding into the island.

Should the project prove successful, it would then be extended to the other island destinations like Redang, Perhentian, Pangkor and Tioman once 80% of these islands’ population are fully inoculated. Compared to Peninsular Malaysia mainland, Sarawak and Sabah, controlling people’s movements in these islands is probably easier, hence the decision to designate them as COVID-19-free bubbles. It can’t be stressed enough that the travelling public must continue to don face masks properly when being in public, keep their hands consistently clean by washing with soap or sanitising them often, and maintain social distancing. Just because those who reside in Malaysia can now travel further, albeit domestically, this does not mean they can abandon the SOPs and health protocols; it is imperative for each one of us to responsibly play our part by ensuring that we take necessary precautions and measures when travelling so as not to endanger ourselves but also others. Hope we can all begin relishing some semblance of life pre-COVID-19 by adhering to the SOPs for the sake of our own livelihood and sanity.

However, those who are not be able to go to Langkawi for the time being can instead proceed to getaway spots closer to home. Klang Valley residents could instead opt to become tourists in their own backyards by revisiting Kuala Lumpur’s attractions (page 76), checking out cafes in Taman Desa (page 94), acquainting themselves with the delights found in Kajang (page 104), compare the different kopitiams (coffee shops) around Selangor (page 118), and frolic around Sepang (page 120). Once the COVID-19 situation improves, travellers should also head over to Perak (page 44) and Johor, especially to the up-and-coming Desaru Coast (page 98) and staying at the newly opened Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre (page 124), including the Hotel Seri Malaysia properties in Kepala Batas and Alor Setar (page 128). If you dream to escape further, read up about backpacking to North Taipei (page 108) for ideas on what you can do when you go to Taiwan in the future. Again, be sure to follow the SOPs wherever you are heading.

On that note, stay healthy and safe everybody!

JUHAN KAMARUDDIN@JEREMY KHALIL

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