Of all the media trips that I’ve participated, this is the
most unique one.
As everyone know (whole world knows too), the Covid-19
pandemic has hit whole world for the last few months and
Malaysia is not excepted. We are now recovery stage or recovery movement
control order (RMCO) effective from 10 June till 31 August as announced by our Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Relaxation
of operations has been given to few other non-essentials businesses as well as activities. Thanks to the active Covid-19 swab test, daily MKN
reminders via sms on SOP and social distancing, fellow Malaysia that by-hearted
the rules and follow it to the ‘T’. And to our healthcare team that
relentlessly took care of the Covid-19 patients and conducting screening
(especially those in the red zone), I bow to you.
This is perhaps a mark of hard-earned
additional freedom gained by a combination of strict government enforcement of
Covid-19 precautions, the health authorities' active Covid-19 screenings, and
Malaysians' compliance with rules and precautions, but the Health Ministry is
still reminding Malaysians daily to continue to comply with standard operating
procedures and to practice social distancing.
Good news for travelers is that starting 10
June onwards, Malaysians are allowed to travel domestically or inter-state, international
borders will still remain shut. With this in mind, a lot of hotels around Kuala
Lumpur and whole of Malaysia is gearing and ready to accept local tourist for a
staycation or a weekend getaway. Necessary and extra precaution/steps has been
taken into consideration by the hoteliers, and I am proud to say, the one I
experienced at was SUPERB (good job Equatorial). I am going to make it easy for
you by listing their plus points.
The (temperature) gun
I was greeted with a temperature gun, my
particulars were taken as usual. On top of this, a list of questions needed to
be answered before I can check in. I can do this manually or online. And of
course, I have to answer it truthfully.
The room distancing
Yup! Yup! Yup! Not only human was asked
to kept a distance, room were ‘insisted’ to do the same. The hotel has 50-60%
occupancy rate as they only house their visitor every alternate room UNLESS you
book a connecting room (for family).
The (add-on) toiletry set
Welcoming the NEW Kids On The Block – The
Sanitiser!
The (sweet) touch
Non-SOP related but deserve a HUGE
applause… instead of putting a typical western chips/snacks, EQ Hotel localize the
complimentary snacks – Kuih Makmur and Murukku.
The (2-days) quarantine room
Upon guest checking-out, the room will be
quarantined for 2 days before they disinfect it on the 3rd day.
The detergent and water
Mattress, pillow and cushion covers are
being washed with a special detergent, and the water temperature is being increased
to 60degree Celsius. The extra precaution to ensure guest’s safety.
The room with a view
Another non-SOP related point - KL
Tower/KLCC view, ask them for this room. Enough said *wink*.
The gym
Only 5 pax is allowed at a time and you
need to registered and book a slot.
The F&B outlets
Similar to the room distancing, the table
is placed 1-2 meter apart. Individual guest will sit alone, where else family members
or group can sit together.
The ‘serving’ buffet
This was rather interesting as the buffet
menu is being served just like a course-meal AND you can repeat the dish you
that like, they will serve it to you. Again.
The alfresco dining (with KL view)
Come on… trust me on this one. I don’t
have the night photo to proof it as the area is closed during (R/E/C)MCO period
but it does look amazing even during day time.
The alfresco pool (with KL view)
Intrigued?
Go book your stay there, I bet you’ll
love it.
Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO)
Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO)
Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO)
Movement Control Order (MCO)
SOP related blog post
Post MCO (SOP) Media Trip is in collaboration
with Tourism Malaysia and all its sponsors.
