KUALA LUMPUR – Sabah will greatly benefit from the reopening of borders on April 1 following the prime minister’s announcement, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor today.
He said the state’s economy has been badly affected by the border closure two years ago due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hajiji said tourism was one of Sabah’s main income earners and the closure of the border has impacted the sector.
“Sabah has been preparing to welcome visitors, to ensure this will help the economy.
“Nonetheless, Sabah will have to wait for the detailed standard operating procedures so the state can adjust them in accordance with its situation and needs,” he said in a statement here today.
Hajiji said numerous engagements were held by Sabah tourism players who had pushed for the reopening of the state border to international visitors.
Yesterday, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced the reopening of international borders on April 1, with Malaysians with valid travel documents allowed to enter and leave the country as they did before the pandemic then.
Fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to undergo quarantine upon returning to Malaysia, and will only need to get tested for Covid-19 prior to their departure and upon arrival.
The decision to reopen borders was made based on “science and the latest facts” about Covid-19, stating that other countries have also started opening their borders, said Ismail Sabri.
The country’s borders have been closed since the first movement control order in March 2020. – The Vibes, March 9, 2022
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