PUTRAJAYA – The government has no plans to bring back movement control orders, but is still cautious about reopening Malaysia’s borders due to a possible Covid-19 surge.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this at an event with his staffers at the Prime Minister’s Department here today.
Meanwhile, he said the government is in talks with Indonesia and Thailand about setting up a vaccinated travel lane (VTL) similar to the one with Singapore.
He also said there is no need for citizens to worry about the government closing down businesses and limiting the movement of the people as nearly 98% of the population has received their first two doses, with booster shots on the way.
And with more people getting their booster jabs, he said, the country could possibly see more relaxed Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“We might consider easing up on certain SOPs, similar to other nations. However, we will need to wait for the Health Ministry’s view on the matter before anything can be confirmed,” he said, adding that the local tourism industry has been greatly impacted by the lack of international tourists.
“If we are too harsh with our SOPs, our tourism industry will be negatively affected the most. Even as we allow domestic tourism, opening our nation’s borders to international tourists will allow the economy to improve.”
He added that the wage subsidy programme will continue for the tourism industry and players can expect more relaxed SOPs soon.
Today, the Health Ministry reported that more than 10.9 million people or 46.6% of the adult population in Malaysia have received their Covid-19 booster dose as of yesterday. – The Vibes, January 25, 2022
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