The confusion of directives from the various governmental agencies is not helping the hospitality industry to survive.
This is following the recent two dose requirement for hotel staff to continue their work.
“Conflicting instructions and directives from the governmental agencies, Health Ministry, National Security Council and Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture,(MOTAC) on SOPs are making it difficult for us to operate.
“Let us survive by opening up gradually so that the hospitality industry can recoup its massive losses.
“Take the example of my hotel (Light Hotel Penang) where we spend around RM18,000 to RM23,000 on sanitization alone. This does not include the cost for gloves, masks, face shields for frontline staff.
“We have been spending a lot of money without any income all this while,” said Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH Penang Chapter) chairman and general manager of the Light Hotel, Raj Kumar after launching their food bank programme.
He also added that 99% of the hotel workers here have had their first dose of the AZ vaccine.
“Based on the nine weeks break before their second dose, their next dose will only be in October.
“Do we have to wait till October to open up our sector,. Please help the industry move forward as we are willing to follow SOPs,” he appealed.
Raj also questioned why Langkawi’s hospitality industry is allowed to open up next month when Penang is not.
“We too have seaside resorts in Batu Ferringhi where there is lots of open air for guests,” he said.
Meanwhile, the chapter’s food bank project will benefit some 600 employees this time around.
Contribution for the project was supported by Penang Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow who contributed RM20,000, MAH National, RM20,000, Penang exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, RM10,000 and MAH Penang chipping in RM15,000.
A symbolic food basket hand over ceremony was held earlier at the CMs office.
Each food basket worth RM120 each contains rice, flour, cooking oil, sugar, Milo, milk, instant noodles and canned food. Yeo Hiap Seng partially sponsored some of the items.
Workers eligible are those earning less than RM2,500 per month, being placed on unpaid leave, pay cut exceeding 30%, loss of job among others criteria.
The food baskets were delivered to the various hotels on the island mainland after the flag off ceremony from the Wembley Hotel.
