Selangor Journal
The quiet atmosphere at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) due to the Covid-19 pandemic, on May 26, 2020. — Picture by BERNAMA

Matta, Bureau Veritas to deploy ‘Travel Safe Malaysia’, help restart tourism in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 — The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) has signed an agreement with Bureau Veritas to deploy the ‘Travel Safe Malaysia’ Hygiene Excellence and Safety Label programme designed to support the operational restart activities of the travel and tour industry.

In a statement, Matta said the ‘Travel Safe Malaysia’ programme is supported by the Tourism, Arts & Culture Ministry (Motac), and will be offered to all Matta members across Malaysia through field audits to ensure that appropriate health, safety and hygiene procedures and processes are in place.

This is also line with globally recognised best practices and recommendations related to preventive measures for a safer business restart after the Covid-19 lockdown period.

Matta president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said as the Covid-19 pandemic evolves with time, there need to be new tourism strategies to create travel demand taking into consideration government safety and health protocols, the fragile situation, social distancing and other uncertainties. 

“Putting greater focus on health and safety in travel demands could be significant to all stakeholders as it can be an opportunity for reflection and reinvention towards a better and more sustainable tourism future.

“The positioning of Malaysia as a safe country will encourage future travellers to choose Malaysia once travelling resumes with borders being open to international visitors,” he said.  

Matta is the national umbrella representative body for the entire travel industry in Malaysia with over 3,600 members comprising local tour and travel agents as well as overseas affiliations.

Meanwhile, Bureau Veritas Malaysia country chief executive, Commodities, Industry & Facilities (CIF) South East Asia Operating Region, Datuk Mohd Nizam Abdul Malik said as Malaysia is an established international tourist destination, it will bring comfort to travellers that Malaysia’s tourism industry is fully prepared and has taken hygiene and safety as the highest priority in their operations.

“This will also benefit local tourists as they will know that their service providers are certified and follow the highest hygiene and safety standards in relation to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. 

“Bureau Veritas will be there to provide the independent assessment and certification for all stakeholders,” said Mohd Nizam. 

Bureau Veritas is a world leader in testing, inspection and certification with over 78,000 employees located in over 1,500 offices and laboratories around the world. 

 

— Bernama

Top Picks

Free tolls on all highways for Aidilfitri on April 8, 9 — Minister

Anwar attends Iftar Madani, breaks fast with nearly 10,000 people

Malaysia committed to reforming economy, embracing innovation — DPM