FIRST, the hotels either downsized their workforce to survive or closed shop to prevent further losses during the Covid-19 pandemic.
But now, with the interstate travel ban already lifted, they are having another headache – a lack of manpower to cope with the influx of tourists.
According to the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang Chapter chairman Raj Kumar, many hoteliers are having trouble rehiring their former staff as many of them had found employment elsewhere or had even started their own businesses.
“As there are still Covid-19 cases reported, many people are adopting a wait-and-see approach before joining hotel industry.
“On top of that, some former employees had joined the manufacturing and logistics industries after facing a bleak future during the pandemic.
“Some have become e-hailing drivers to generate some source of income.
“It takes time for us to get back the manpower to assist in our hotels’ operation.
“We hope the authorities can at least allow us to rope in foreign workers through selected agents for cleaning service.
“As far as I know, there are no takers as yet for cleaning services in hotels,” he told Buletin Mutiara.
Because of manpower shortage, Raj said some hotels have decided to open only on weekends and close on weekdays.
“But whether they operate daily or on weekends, it is important for everyone to adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the fight against Covid-19.
“Overall, the hotels’ occupancy rate is not picking up much yet. People still remain vigilant,” he said.
Story by Edmund Lee