Visit Malaysia cancelled as country goes into lockdown

Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has announced the cancellation of its Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign. Visit Malaysia 2020 was the country’s latest tourism campaign, aimed at promoting the Vision 2020 objectives which focus on the sustainability of tourism, arts and culture. The cancellation comes following the Movement Control Order put into place, 18 March, by the Malaysian government. The Order forbids mass gatherings, and all international travel. It also requires all businesses to close, with the exception of shops selling groceries and essential goods. Those who do not abide by the Order are subject to fines of up to RM 1,000 (USD$229) and/or up to six months in prison. YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commented: “I urge the public to comply with social distancing as long as this Movement Control Order comes into force and receives information from legitimate sources. Let us pray that the well-being of this beloved nation can be restored as soon as possible.” Dato’ Sri Abdul Khani, Chief Executive Officer of MyCEB, added: “Let’s together pray for the COVID-19 situation to subside soon, and in the meantime, I would like to urge all industry players to adhere to MOTAC and MOH guidelines and procedures in curbing the virus from further spreading. We shall remain strong and begin to relook at our next strategy in making Malaysia a preferred business event destination as soon as the industry rebound.”