Malaysia Set to Reopen International Borders From March 1

KOMPAS.com – Malaysia has decided to fully reopen its borders to vaccinated international travelers starting from March 1 without quarantining as is recommended by the National Recovery Council (NRC).

“The Council has recommended reopening the borders soon to support the country’s economic recovery. We agree to fully reopen the borders on March 1 without the need for mandatory quarantine,” said NRC’s chairman Muhyiddin Yassin as quoted by Straits Times and Bloomberg on Tuesday, Feb. 8.

However, he added, international travelers are required to undergo Covid-19 testing before departure and upon arrival at the entry point according to the Ministry of Health’s recommendations.

Also read: Philippines Reopens to Fully Vaccinated, Covid-Negative Tourists for the First Time in Two Years

“Travelers entering Malaysia are required to take the Covid-19 testing before departure and upon arrival [in Malaysia],” Muhyiddin said.

However, he explained, the reopening of borders would still be based on the current risk assessment. On Feb. 3, Malaysian Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the reopening of the border would only be done after the country’s booster vaccination rate increases.

It was reported that nearly 80 percent of the country’s population had been fully vaccinated, with over 53 percent of adults receiving booster shots.

Besides, Malaysia and Singapore have continued their vaccinated travel lane scheme and agreed to begin a travel corridor with Indonesia early this year.

(Writer: Wasti Samaria Simangunsong | Editor: Ni Nyoman Wira Widyanti)

Source: https://travel.kompas.com/read/2022/02/11/110137427/malaysia-siap-sambut-turis-asing-tanpa-karantina-mulai-1-maret.