Tourism sites and destinations in Sabah are now allowed to open for domestic tourism, subject to certain conditions under the National Security Council’s latest standard operating procedures (SOP) updated on Friday.

Sabah’s Covid-19 spokesperson Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said domestic tourism is only allowed within the same district or via travel bubbles on condition that tourists, tour operators and staff have been fully vaccinated and are of low-risk status on MySejahtera.

However, certain tourism activities are still not allowed, including zoos, farms, aquariums, edutainment centres, theme parks, family entertainment centres and karaoke as well as extreme and adventure activities, among others.

“Tourists are not allowed to travel out of their districts and state,” said Masidi.

Additionally, driving institutes are now allowed to operate at 80 per cent capacity with fully vaccinated staff and on appointment basis.
“Driving tests for an individual to obtain their motor vehicle driving licence will be allowed starting Sept 17, on condition that all employees, instructors and candidates have been fully vaccinated,” said Masidi.

Indoor and outdoor sports and commercial recreational facilities as well as semi-indoor swimming pools and recreational water sports premises are also allowed to operate at 60 per cent capacity but only for individual activities without any physical contact.
“The premises must operate on an appointment basis under the owner’s facilitation as walk-ins are not allowed. The operating hours are from 6am to 8pm.

“Premise owners must ensure that all staff and customers have been fully vaccinated and are of low-risk status on MySejahtera,” said Masidi, adding that gymnasiums and fitness centres are still not allowed to operate.
Masidi said the latest SOPs also permits the development and broadcast of creative content via recording or live telecast on condition that employees are fully vaccinated.

“Informative and entertainment broadcasts (recorded or live) are also permitted with the presence of a fully vaccinated audience, at 30 per cent audience capacity of the agency’s studio space.

“Creative industry filming inside and outside the studio is permitted for those fully vaccinated. Indoor and outdoor busking and hotel lounge performances are also allowed for those fully vaccinated,” he said.

He added that art exhibitions in exhibition halls, museums and art galleries are permitted on appointment basis and at 30 per cent capacity of the space, provided that employees and visitors are fully vaccinated.