KOTA TINGGI – The government is not placing any restrictions on Malaysia’s points of entry as the borders fully open tomorrow, but some international gateways remain closed due to other reasons, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong.
He said although there are no restrictions for entry points to operate, some international airports and jetties cannot reopen immediately due to other issues.
The minister did not elaborate on which specific airports, ports, or land border crossings are closed in the near term, but said they are allowed to operate.
“Some may have to postpone (operations) a while due to ticket sales and so on,” he told reporters after attending the official launch of the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, Malaysia's newest point of entry for international arrivals here this afternoon.
“What’s important is that conceptually, we have opened (our borders) beginning April 1. Therefore, things are operating as normal and travellers do not have to undergo compulsory quarantine.”
Wee also reminded foreign travellers to Malaysia and those returning home that they are required to undergo Covid-19 tests within 24 hours at airports and other entry points, or their places of accommodation, as announced by the Health Ministry.
The Ayer Hitam MP said Malaysia had six international airports, including the ones in Penang and Langkawi, adding that international travellers can now enter Malaysia through these entry points as long as they followed the standard operating procedures set by the government.
He added that arrivals by land are expected to be the most popular, especially through the Johor-Singapore causeway and the Second Link, as the government has given a seven-day exemption on road charges and tolls at the border crossings.
“This exemption will encourage those who have not returned to Malaysia for a long time to come home or Singaporeans who have been wanting to enter Malaysia.
“There are two festivities, the arrival of the Ramadan month and the Qing Ming festival…those who have not returned to Malaysia for two years may take advantage of the exemptions.”
Wee said he predicted that Johor will see a boost in business activities this weekend, adding that Singaporeans will come into the state to do their shopping.
He said other visitors from Singapore will use the opportunity to visit their friends.
“This is a phenomenon that we will see on Saturday and Sunday.
“I am confident that tomorrow at 5.30pm onwards, there will be an influx of vehicles arriving from Singapore through the causeway and Second Link, giving a positive impact to Johor.”
Wee added that the government is expecting to see some 42,000 vehicles travelling to and fro Malaysia and Singapore daily within the next few days of borders reopening. – The Vibes, March 31, 2022
