KUALA LUMPUR – Langkawi will reopen to foreign tourists beginning November 15, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
In a statement today, he said the Special Committee on Covid-19 Management has agreed on standard operating procedures presented by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry on the international travel bubble (inbound) for the island.
Ahead of the reopening, the government has released a set of SOPs to facilitate the pilot project.
He said the government is focusing on welcoming high-yield tourists and individuals who are fully vaccinated.
“Children below the age of 18 must be accompanied by parents or guardians who have been fully vaccinated. The list of countries allowed is subject to the Malaysian Immigration Department, Health Ministry or Foreign Ministry.
“These tourists must stay in Langkawi for a minimum of three days and quarantine is not required (only applies to the Langkawi international travel bubble).”
He added that the tourists must undergo the Rt-PCR Covid-19 test three days before departure and the results must be presented in either digital or printed form.
“They must also download the MySejahtera app and register before they depart and have insurance coverage of up to US$80,000 (RM332,000).
“When they arrive at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, they will have to undergo rapid molecular testing (one hour 30 minutes) or fly immediately to Langkawi (compulsory to undergo a Rt-PCR test on day two of their stay).
“If they test positive, they will be taken to isolation/quarantine centres or private hospitals (according to category).”
Ismail Sabri said this pilot project will last three months to allow the Health Ministry and National Security Council to evaluate its efficacy before expanding it to other tourism islands and destinations. – The Vibes, October 22, 2021