REGARDED as one of the most important sectors that drives the economy in the state, tourism industry players in Penang have been urged to participate in the ongoing state-level National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said tourism frontliners are no different compared to frontliners from other sectors as they play a huge role in contributing to the state’s economy as well.
“Tourism frontliners are also economic frontliners. While Penang has often been one of the most preferred holiday destination for many from near and afar, it is right that the people behind the many initiatives be given due recognition for their tireless efforts.
“That is why they are also economic frontliners.
“Discussions have progressed well with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and it is hoped that those involved in the tourism sector here would show a great amount of importance to being inoculated.
“The tourism players have been informed about this, and we are expected to receive names of those interested in the vaccination programme by Wednesday (May 19).
“The renewed movement control order (MCO 3.0), which took effect from May 12, has definitely further dampened the tourism sector with tighter restrictions imposed once again; somewhat like MCO 1.0 except for several economic operations.
“We can’t win this war if we don’t work together. As for the tourism sector, if the key players agree to be inoculated, then this would play a major role to revive once again one of the most handicapped sectors in this modern era,” Yeoh said during an exclusive interview with Buletin Mutiara in Komtar today.
He also added that it was important for tourism players to know that to put some hope in the people again, it is high time they step up and do the needful, which is to be inoculated.
Separately, regarding the Penang State Museum Board Enactment Bill 2020, Yeoh said any future applications for the establishment of museums would need to comply with strict guidelines under the Bill.
The Bill was unanimously passed during the State Legislative Assembly last year in Dewan Sri Pinang and was gazetted in the same year on Dec 31.
“The Penang State Museum Board will be in full control to monitor and access any future applications from now on.
“This is important to raise the standard of museums in the state,” Yeoh added.
According to Yeoh, Penang is also the first state throughout the country to gazette such a Bill.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissala Thian