KUALA LUMPUR – Having heard the grouses of couples and families who have been separated for months due to international travel restrictions, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has written to the government urging that these individuals be granted some leeway.
The Muar MP claimed he has received multiple complaints that these individuals are finding difficulties obtaining travel passes to enter and exit Malaysia.
In the letter, which was shared with the media, he said that most of the issues stemmed from the various government lockdowns that have been imposed since March last year, soon after the Covid-19 pandemic broke out.
The affected individuals, according to Syed Saddiq, include Malaysians and foreign residents here who wish to visit their spouses and children abroad; spouses and children who want to enter Malaysia to meet their family here; and, unmarried couples who want to visit each other in the country or outside.
“This travel pass and approval should be offered to them, as long separation can lead to severe psychological effects to these individuals and their families, especially during this Covid-19 period.
“I appeal to the government to take measures to allow this group to obtain travel passes without any hiccup,” he said in the letter.
Rayuan saya ke x3Menteri mewakili ribuan pasangan antarabangsa yang terpisah.
— Syed Saddiq (@SyedSaddiq) September 16, 2021
It’s been ~2 years since they’ve been seperated from their loved ones.
We need to show some compassion.
Ramai ja VVIPs yang keluar negara untuk bercuti.
Saya sertakan sekali cadangan SOP. pic.twitter.com/7pJDEeFxkJ
The document was submitted to Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah today.
To facilitate their travels across international borders, Syed Saddiq proposed specific guidelines, including an advisory to those planning to travel.
Additionally, he suggested those travelling undergo mandatory quarantine and abide by all standard operating procedures, including periodic Covid-19 testing.
He also proposed that legal action be taken against individuals who abuse this privilege.
To date, the government has yet to allow international travel for leisure purposes, although the country has permitted fully vaccinated individuals to visit Langkawi under a travel bubble project beginning today, as it looks to open up other sectors of the economy. – The Vibes, September 16, 2021
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