SME Preparedness in Surviving the Health Pandemic in Malaysia

Even in its cessation, the COVID-19 pandemic sustains its profound impact on human lives and on each sector of the global economy. Without exception, the dire consequences of curbing the spread of the virus’ effects by restricting mobility and travel at its earliest inception had taken a toll on the tourism industry. In contrast to previous global health crises, the COVID-19 effect is the worst and most prolonged, where the livelihoods of many locals and local businesses struggle to rebuild after restrictions were lifted in the last few years, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This study looks into the challenges faced by SMEs within the tourism industry and their preparedness for developing and deploying a crisis management strategy during the pandemic. Qualitative data gathered through in-depth interviews with SMEs from the tourism sector were analysed, and the results suggest that a number of factors, as well as how they relate to one another in various crises, would need to be addressed in order to develop a crisis management strategy in an organization.