Malaysia is gearing up to reopen its borders to international visitors from January 1 at the latest. This is as per a government advisory council, which added that this move comes as the country seeks to revive its failing tourism sector.
As per the reports, the Southeast Asian nation started reopening its economy gradually in the past some weeks as the COVID infection rates dipped amid a ramped-up vaccination programme. As per the statistics by the government, more than three-quarters of Malaysia’s 32 million population have been vaccinated.
Referring to this, former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who chairs a council tasked with spearheading Malaysia’s economic recovery programme, informed that the tourism industry was recovering, but too slowly without foreigners, and added that operators required time to resume businesses.
Mr Muhyiddin further elaborated that the infection control measures, such as COVID-19 tests, will remain in place, whereas authorities will determine entry of travellers based on the COVID-19 situation in originating countries, as well as other factors. Referring to reopening of the borders, he, however, did not state any specific date for reopening, but added that it will be announced soon.and that the said decision was still being analysed by security and health agencies.
Reportedly, Malaysia also announced this week that it would be launching a vaccinated travel lane with neighbouring Singapore from November 29, which will quarantine-free travel for inoculated travellers from both the countries. It has stated that it will introduce a similar travel corridor with Indonesia on a gradual basis.
