MERSING: Tourism activities in important Johor locations have been revitalised following different economic recovery efforts and Covid-19 control measures.
Tourism is a major economic engine in Johor because the state has a lengthy coastline, island destinations, eco-tourism hotspots, as well as heritage, leisure, and shopping attractions.
The state is home to the country’s sole international theme park, the Legoland Malaysia Resort in Iskandar Puteri.
The tourism industry in the state received adequate attention in the state budget for 2022, which was presented on November 18 of last year.
As the country attempted to adjust to the epidemic, Tourism Johor received a RM14 million grant for the implementation of programmes to encourage the sector.
Tourism coupons worth RM1.5 million were also issued to encourage the hotel industry, as well as selected sectors in shopping and retail.
A total of RM5 million had also been set aside for the development and improvement of tourism facilities in districts, homestays, “desa stays,” and national parks.
Simultaneously, the Johor Tourism Master Plan 2014-2023 will be evaluated to guarantee that the tourism sector’s direction could be appropriately planned and in line with current trends.
Although it still relies on local visitors, the sector has acquired new optimism and relief among its players after a tough phase in the last two years.
According to Bluewater Express manager Mohammad Shafik Farhan Rahmat, the number of travellers using his boat services from here to Pulau Tioman is growing.
The considerable increase in local visitors to the duty-free island, he claimed, was attributable to the removal of mobility restrictions and economic rehabilitation measures.
Following the distribution of Covid-19 booster shots, Shafik stated that the company, which is based in Tanjong Gemok, was able to maintain its operations and retain the services of its 50 employees.
“Alhamdulillah (Praise Allah), after the relaxation and removal of movement restrictions, we can see the tourism industry continuing to operate with the standard operating procedures (SOP).
“Bluewater Express is also practising a strict SOP outlined by the government to ensure the safety of passengers,” he said.
Diyana Safarudin, secretary of the Mersing Tourism Boat Operators Association, expressed similar optimism, stating that the number of visitors visiting the adjacent resort islands was increasing.
“Now, visitors are starting to arrive and things are looking up for boat operators as they can bring tourists to the islands off Mersing.”
Diyana stated that there are several gorgeous islands off Mersing with similar scenery to the Maldives that most people are unaware of.
“They include Pulau Aur, Pulau Dayang, Pulau Tinggi, Pulau Pemanggil, Pulau Sibu and Pulau Besar,” she said.
Diyana, a Pulau Aur resident, believes the state government to improve telecommunications connectivity in these tourist areas.
“Previously, there was only one telecommunication company with coverage in Pulau Aur, but now, another one is coming. Many people don’t know about these islands compared with Pulau Tioman, although they offer calmness and serenity, especially to city folk,” said Diyana.
