By Jacintha Jolene
KUCHING: Malaysians who wish to enter Sarawak now no longer need to apply through the enterSarawak app effective Jan 14.
The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) also said this was applicable to non-Malaysians who have been in the country for more than two weeks.
However, travellers still need to fill up the e-Health Declaration Form or eHDF.
Other conditions revealed on Wednesday (Jan 12) were that individuals must be fully vaccinated and their vaccination status would be checked at the airport.
The easing of this standard operating procedure (SOP) rule had made it easier for both travelers and also tourism activities, according to three members of the public.
Andy Yeo, a shop owner, said his business had been a rollercoaster ride since the pandemic struck.
“Before COVID-19 hit us, I had many customers frequenting my shop.
“Now, they prefer to shop online and have their items delivered via cash on delivery (COD) method,” he lamented.
Yeo also had to restrategise his business model and hop on the online bandwagon as well.
“I put up my items online, mainly on Facebook and if they (customers) prefer COD, I will do it for free, mainly for the town areas.”
Zalikha, who works at a souvenir shop in the city, also said business had not been the same ever since.
“When SDMC announced the borders reopening, I can see many locals, visitors from both Peninsular Malaysia and international coming and buying a souvenir or two.
“Business really peaked during the holiday season but early into the new year, business is kind of slow.”
Zalikha believed that there were pros and cons to the easing of entry into Sarawak.
“Of course the pros would be, it would help boost the economy and at the same time, the tourism industry.
“However, we are mainly concerned about the health of many since we are still fighting the pandemic.”
The hotel industry also had its fair share of ups and downs during these trying times.
Stanley Agan, a receptionist at a boutique hotel here, said hotels had struggled.
“These past two years into the pandemic, the tourist flow into Sarawak had decreased.
“Fewer and fewer number of tourists checked in to the hotel.
“However, after SDMC had announced that the state was open for inter-district travel, many locals flocked to Kuching, especially those from Miri, Sibu, Bintulu and even Limbang.
“Even those from Peninsular Malaysia also had flown over to Kuching because the hotel is strategically located near many tourist spots.”
Stanley also said that by still implementing the eHDF and MySejahtera upon check-in, the hotel’s management could track one’s health record and take appropriate action.
