The tourism, arts and culture ministry said this was part of Phase 2 of its Tourism Recovery Plan, which will also be extended to Pulau Redang, Pulau Tioman, Pulau Perhentian and several other islands.

It said 8,026 Pangkor residents were eligible to be vaccinated from the total estimated population of 11,500 on the island.

As of July 11, it said 1,002 people had been given their first dose while 1,056 had been fully vaccinated. Meanwhile, 5,968 people have yet to be vaccinated.

“Based on the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force’s records, the administration of the first doses will be completed by Aug 8, followed by second doses from Aug 13 onwards.

“Hence, Pulau Pangkor is expected to achieve 80% herd immunity in early September,” said tourism, arts and culture minister Nancy Shukri.

Other locations picked for the Covid-free tourism programme include Langkawi and Kuching.

Nancy also said the district health office in Pulau Pangkor had started a vaccination outreach programme on July 16, which will take place during weekends for eight weeks in a row, aiming to vaccinate 540 people daily.

To make this outreach programme a success, she said the ministry was working closely with the Malaysian Taxi, Limousine and Rental Car Drivers and Operators Association (Petekma).