He said the tests had proven effective when four Covid-19 positive individuals were identified before arriving on the island yesterday.

“The screening is beneficial and effective, and has proven to be a requirement because Category 1 and 2 positive cases usually have no symptoms.

“We have made preparations here (to welcome tourists) but when a tourist tests positive, it is very unfortunate for them,” he told reporters during a visit to Pantai Cenang here today.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said yesterday the travellers were found to be Covid-19 positive after being screened before heading to Langkawi. All cases were Category 1 without any symptoms.

Sanusi said the screening should continue for all tourists headed to Langkawi to avoid any risk of spreading the disease on the island.

He also advised those who wished to visit Langkawi to get screened earlier to avoid crowding at entry points into Langkawi.

“It would be best to do the swab test before they come to the jetty. You would need a letter for the swab test, a witness from the health department and a certificate. If you do it at the entry point, it will be time-consuming and will cause a delay in your journey, and you might miss the ferry,” he said.

On the progress of the tourism bubble pioneer project there, Sanusi said everything was going well so far and tourist compliance of SOPs was satisfactory.

“Public reaction, especially Langkawi residents, is quite positive. They seem happier as if they have been waiting for this moment,” he added.

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