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"We are deeply saddened by this disaster that swept across the coastlines of Asia. This is a shock to us and MAH would like to express our deepest sympathy to those directly affected by this unforeseen incident," said Mohd Ilyas Zainol Abidin, president of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH). MAH, a 30-year old national hotel association did a quick survey amongst its 13 state chapters throughout the country and the following were the findings:
MAH Penang Chapter
The impact of tsunami phenomena that struck Penang's tourism belt of Batu Ferringhi, on Sunday 26th December 2004 was minimal as Malaysian Association Of Hotels (MAH) Penang Chapter reported that there is no damage to hotels and their surrounding areas and facilities, except to the beach front that is now undergoing cleaning up of debris which is expected to take a couple of days. "There are no casualties of hotel guests reported. The situation is back to normal as all hotels are operating as usual while tourist attractions are not affected," commented Y.Bhg. Dato' Eric Lim, Cititel Penang's Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of MAH Penang Chapter.
Comments by General Managers from some Penang hotels:
"All our hotel guests are safe and accounted for as we are on higher ground."
- Mr. Lau Cheong Leong, Ferringhi Beach Hotel
"As our hotel is located on a cliff, we faced minimal damage. All roads leading to Tanjung Bunga and Batu Ferringhi are already open and ferry services are back to normal since last night."
- Mr. Joseph Kong, Copthorne Orchid Penang, Tanjung Bunga
"The impact of the tidal wave was minimal. No collateral damage, no injuries and everyone is in high spirits and we have no cancellation thus far."
- Mr. Leo Kuscher, Mutiara Beach Resort
"We were cautioned by watersport operators of the strong wave at 1.15 pm and we immediately sounded the alarm to our guests at the beach who evacuated the area and thus there were no casualties."
- Mr. B.C. Tan, Casuarina Beach Resort
MAH Kedah Chapter
MAH Member hotels in Langkawi reported that there were no casualties and no major damages to hotels or guests except at the beach front areas (eg. Cabanas, beach chairs) which are muddy and left with debris. "Hotels are currently doing a clean-up of the beach area and business is already back to normal. Of the few hotels affected, only one hotel sustained structural damage to its waterfront restaurant. However, the hotel operations are back to normal. Most of the hotels affected have closed their swimming pools for a few days until fully restored for safety and health reasons," says Mr. Noel Vendwall, Chairman of MAH Kedah Chapter.
Some comments from General Managers in Langkawi hotels:
"We sustained no damage to the resort, no injuries or worse to the staff or guests."
- Mr. Damon Page, Sheraton Perdana Resort
"Datai and Andaman hotels were not severely affected. No guests were hurt and only damage to the sunbeds and several boats. Both hotels are fully operational"
- Mr. Jamie Case, The Datai
"Our hotels were protected by an island in front which broke the waves and thus no damage was done to our hotels."
- Mr. Fernando Pareja, Holiday Villa & Federal Villa Langkawi
"Our member hotels in the affected areas took immediate action to evacuate all their guests and fortunately, all guests are safe and accounted for and there are no casualties," said Mohd Ilyas Zainol Abidin, MAH President. "Some hotels were very lucky to be sheltered by the mountain range and nearby islands which broke the force of the tidal wave," he added.
"Kota Kinabalu hotels were not affected by this tidal wave," said Mr. Karel Schrijvers, MAH Sabah Chapter chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sutera Harbour Resort.
"We would like to assure the public that this will not affect the quality of service in the hotels. The hotels are already cleaning up the place and business is back to normal by this evening," En. Mohd Ilyas concludes.
For further information/clarification, please contact:
Ms. Sharon Lu, Executive - Communications
Malaysian Association of Hotels
Tel: 03-4251 8477 Fax: 03-4252 8477 Cell phone: 012-335 5008
Email: communications@hotels.org.my
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