Tourism players in the country caution how information on Covid 19 is disseminated to the public by the authorities as, although necessary and important, can be easily misunderstood and create fear and panic.

These tourism players stated that in order to prevent fear and panic, especially among tourists and visitors, the timing and manner of the communication should be properly and rightfully handled by those in authority.

This follows a statement issued by the Health Minister on the surge in Covid 19 cases, with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister saying that “it could create unreasonable fear and public anxiety affecting the economy and tourism.”

In supporting their claim, the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association or Mita stated that more than 30 percent of China tours to Malaysia have been cancelled so far over “wrongful reporting on Covid 19 cases” which has affected members badly.

Mita states that following disclosures by the Health Minister, much attention has been focused on Malaysia with a number of Chinese online media issuing travel advisories that it was unsafe for China nationals to visit Malaysia.

Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association and Malaysian Tourism Federation both supported Mita and stated that while being open and transparent over Covid 19 cases is important, being tactful and sensitive is equally important.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE