Langkawi, a popular Malaysian island, has reopened to tourism

Businesses in Malaysia's most popular vacation spot are preparing to welcome tourists back this week, as the country begins to recover from a disastrous coronavirus outbreak.

As part of a local tourism bubble, Langkawi, a cluster of 99 islands in the Straits of Malacca, will reopen on September 16 to fully vaccinated guests, with tight regulations in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Esther Lee, the owner of a restaurant, expressed her delight at the introduction of the bubble.

"Finally, we can welcome customers, and this is our primary source of money in order to stay afloat," she remarked.

"We have like people under us, we have overhead charges to endure, thus dining customers are certainly needed."

The scheme is identical to one that was implemented in Thailand, beginning with the reopening of Phuket, 220 kilometres north of Langkawi, to vaccinated international tourists in July.

Malaysia has yet to extend an invitation to international visitors to return.

Langkawi, which is known for its beaches, geoparks, bird life, and rock formations, is not expecting large crowds at first, with 400,000 people expected by the end of the year and earnings of 165 million ringgit ($39.66 million) expected.

"Despite the fact that we require a large number, we still do not want traffic.
What matters is that we can keep track on the tourists and guarantee that they follow the rules "Head of the Langkawi Development Authority, Tuan Nasaruddin Abdul Muttalib.