KUALA LUMPUR – The Transport Ministry has expressed support for Putrajaya’s idea of an international travel bubble directly linking port cities to assist struggling airlines and rejuvenate the tourism industry.
“The Transport Ministry welcomes the government’s efforts to implement a travel bubble concept with a few countries, such as Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, Vietnam, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea and Japan,” said Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong in a written parliamentary reply.
Under the concept, he said, arrivals from countries categorised as green zones will be able to enter Malaysia subject to standard operating procedures, including medical screenings before departure.
“This travel bubble suggestion is dependent on discussions held by the Health Ministry and Foreign Ministry with other countries.”
Wee was replying to Lim Lip Eng’s (PH-Kepong) question yesterday on the government’s efforts to assist airlines, which have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The concept entails travel under tightly monitored conditions to certain destinations, including tourism spots where the accommodation and itinerary are predetermined and regulated to ensure minimal physical contact with locals.
Under Budget 2021, said Wee, Putrajaya will initiate training and rehiring programmes for 8,000 airline staff in Malaysia with a RM50 million allocation. – The Vibes, December 4, 2020
