Vaccine passes a boon to non-tourism sectors too

IPOH: Vaccination cards would boost the global tourism industry, and not just in Malaysia.

Jimmy Goh, Chairman of the Perak Chapter of the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association Perak (picture) said such a pass would allow people to travel again, which would help revitalize the ailing industry and economy.

“Not only the industry here will welcome the passport, many other countries would also benefit from it.

“People could travel safely and securely. There are so many who like to travel again, whether abroad or at home.

“The tourism industry is currently in intensive care and urgently needs help.

“Tourism also affects the transportation, accommodation and retail sectors,” he said.

The discussion about vaccination passports is growing around the world as many countries look forward to revitalizing their economies.

The World Health Organization is against it, however, as access to vaccines is lacking or unequal in many countries.

Fake vaccination certificates are also sold online.

In Malaysia, those vaccinated receive a digital certificate for their MySejahtera app.

Goh said the government should work towards a safe vaccination record as soon as possible.

“You can probably work with a neighboring Asian country first and then expand it to others.

“Singapore and South Korea are two countries that have weathered the pandemic well.”

The President of Ipoh City Watch, Dr. Richard Ng also said it was important to have a passport as it could distinguish between vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

He said those with the pass are allowed to engage in activities such as traveling or doing business.

“The passport can help identify those who have been vaccinated so that they are not deprived of their rights and opportunities.”

Goh Hock Gin, chairman of the Melaka chapter of the Malaysian Association of Travel and Travel Agencies (MATTA), said the vaccination record could be in the form of a smartphone app or ID.

Dennis Samford, vice chairman of the Melaka Tourism Business Club, felt that Malaysia should consider the passport as it does in other countries.

He said the pass is a way to restore confidence in travel.

For the former soldier Rashid Md Nor (59) it is not “foolproof” to be vaccinated.

“We have seen cases of vaccinated tourists from China who tested positive upon entering Sarawak,” he said.