In a statement dated 14th June 2021 in Berita Harian, Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) stated that MOTAC is currently focusing on Kuching, Sarawak and Langkawi in the early recovery plans of the National Tourism Sector.
Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Johor State chairman of Tourism, Youth and Sports shared that he is deeply saddened and upset by MOTAC’s statement. “The effects of this pandemic are not only in Kuching and Langkawi but also felt throughout the country, including in the state of Johor Darul Ta’zim,” he shared.
To date, the tourism and economic sectors of Johor have been severely affected by the closure of the Malaysian border with Singapore. Hotels, Tour Guides, Homestays, Theme Parks, Restaurants, Travel Companies, Tourist Buses are deeply impacted by the lack of business and patrons.
“I believe that each state has its own tourism focus areas and in my opinion, Dato Sri Nancy should also give priority to other states’ tourism focus areas. This strategy should have a direct impact on all levels of industry players and not just involve certain sections only,” said Onn.
He further urges MOTAC to be fair to all and appeals to the Tourism Minister to reconsider MOTAC’s strategy to be more inclusive and have a positive impact on the tourism sector of the country and the state of Johor as a whole.
