Part 9/12:
The prolonged restrictions have led to a sharp increase in poverty, with Johor's poverty rate rising from 3.9% in 2019 to nearly 8% in 2020. The pandemic has hit vulnerable populations hardest, especially migrant workers and small hotel operators. Many hotels, particularly smaller ones reliant on cross-border tourists, have suspended operations or shut down altogether.
Some hotels, like the Renaissance Johor Baru, have adapted by offering home delivery of meals, aiming to sustain revenue streams. Industry stakeholders emphasize the need for creativity and resilience, recognizing that confident reopening hinges on controlling the virus and restoring traveler confidence.