KUANTAN: Struggling to keep their doors open due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some hotels in Pahang have been left with no choice but to temporarily suspend operations. Zero occupancy has forced these premises that were once sought after to make unprecedented decisions following the absence of a fixed timeline for tourism activities to resume.
When contacted, Malaysian Association of Hotels Pahang chapter chairman Patrick Tee said most hoteliers had been forced to temporarily close their doors and wait for interstate or inter-district travel to resume. "The industry has been struggling and left with little choice. Several hotels are taking steps to reduce long-term damages, so they can sustain when the hospitality industry reopens. "Even the food takeaway and delivery services have not been promising. Unlike the previous movement control order, the demand for hotel food (takeaway and delivery) is quite slow. People are not placing their orders."
"It is sad to see the vacant parking areas, empty halls, meeting rooms and restaurants. No one knows when the premises will be allowed to resume like the good old days," he said. Meanwhile, Tee said three hotels in Pahang - two in Kuantan and one in Cameron Highlands - have been selected by the health authorities to serve as "quarantine hotels". "Those undergoing the mandatory 14-day quarantine at these hotels are required to do the Covid-19 swab test according to schedule. However, the demand is low as most people prefer to be quarantined at home. "For those occupying the hotels, if tested positive, they will be moved to the Quarantine and Low-Risk Treatment Centre while those who tested negative will be allowed to resume their stay (quarantine) at the respective hotels." The MAH Pahang chapter has 66 registered hotels in 11 districts in the state.
Source : NST