KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia is ready to transition from the National Recovery Phase to the endemic phase, according to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
He pointed out at a press conference today that Malaysia is currently ranked 13th on the Nikkei’s Covid-19 Recovery Index and said the nation is currently “on the right track”.
Furthermore, given developments in the spread of Omicron, which saw 245 confirmed cases here, Putrajaya is open to the idea of taking tighter border control measures.
“It is important to note that a movement control order will not be implemented again.
“This is because we have made efforts to prepare for our transition into the endemic stage,” Hishammuddin said.
Under the next phase, the Sembrong MP explained, there are several components ready to be rolled out.
These include having one set of standard operating procedures and nine advisories, a heightened alert system, a national testing strategy, loosening border controls, and further community empowerment.
“The initial plan was to announce the transition early this year, right about now.
“But we decided to postpone in view of the floods; those returning from abroad, specifically pilgrims from Mecca; and to supervise further developments of the Omicron variant,” Hishamuddin added.
He also said that SOPs concerning Thaipusam and Chinese New Year celebrations have been presented to the cabinet, and an announcement would be made soon. – The Vibes, January 11, 2021
