Selangor Journal
State executive councillor for tourism Hee Loy Sian (centre) meeting with Orang Asli residents during his visit to distribute food baskets, at Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Dua in Pulau Ketam, Port Klang, on March 4, 2022. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN/SELANGORKINI

Exco urges Federal govt to reopen national borders, boost economic sector

By Sheeda Fathil

PORT KLANG, March 4 — The state government has asked its Federal counterpart to immediately reopen Malaysia’s borders, so that economic activity can be stimulated.

State executive councillor for tourism Hee Loy Sian said the reopening of the borders is crucial towards the nation’s economic recovery, particularly the business and tourism sectors.

“We hope the Federal government has a clear schedule to that end, as we (Selangor) cannot make any plans or set any targets for the number of inbound tourists.

“If our borders have been reopened, then we can make plans in detail,” he said following his visit to Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Dua in Pulau Ketam earlier today, where he distributed food baskets to the Orang Asli community.

When asked if the state government will bring back the Tourism Voucher as it did last year, Hee said so far no decision has been made on the matter.

“We have not decided to reoffer the vouchers, after taking into account the local tourism sector seems to be growing, compared to during the early stages of the pandemic,” he said.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020, Selangor launched the Tourism Voucher Subsidy Redemption worth RM200 each, for a two-year period.

The distribution involves 10,000 vouchers which can be used for accommodations at hotels, theme parks, and licensed homestays.

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