Darren YeohMalaysia borders may be reopening to international travellers by December 2021!
Despite struggling to contain a resurgence of the COVID-19 outbreak earlier in the year, an accelerated rollout of vaccinations since June has allowed the country to gradually turn the tide. As of the final week of September, the daily increase of infections has been on a downward trend. This, as Malaysia, began vaccinating teenagers from 12 to 17 years of age.
Also read: Malaysians are Bringing Smiles to Vaccination Centres With Their Wacky Costumes
Fueled by high vaccination rates
Image credit: Nysa Zainal
However, in an interview with local media, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob hinted that the current metric for the full reopening of economic and social sectors (including international travel) is the percentage of fully vaccinated adults.
In an earlier announcement, the Premier had confirmed that interstate borders, closed since May 2021, would reopen immediately once 90% of the adult population was fully inoculated. At present, that number stands at 87.6%. Based on the current rate of vaccinations, interstate travel could resume as early as this Friday!
That would make the target to reopen Malaysia’s borders for travel by December a realistic target in every sense of the word. However, we are sure that more detailed SOPs will be necessary when that happens.
Reopening safely
Image credit: Jay Tun
Currently, fully vaccinated individuals in Malaysia are able to enjoy a plethora of social privileges. These include dining in at eateries, going to the cinema, and access to health and fitness facilities.
In addition, those who have received the full doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in Malaysia are now able to travel to select destinations like Langkawi, which recently opened under a travel bubble scheme.
Complacency kills. Mask up. Avoid crowds. Vaccinate. Test if symptomatic. Isolate if positive. Look after your health. #ReopeningSafely https://t.co/evRI1oa5YP
— Khairy Jamaluddin 🇲🇾🌺 (@Khairykj) October 3, 2021
Indeed, October has also brought more good news to Malaysians. Popular attractions in tourist hotspots like Penang and Selangor have also begun gradually reopening their doors. However, as Malaysian travellers wait with hope on the reopening of Malaysia’s borders, Khairy Jamaluddin, the current Minister of Health, has also made it a point to constantly remind Malaysians to be vigilant as the country moves towards #ReopeningSafely.
Also read: 14 Top Islands in Malaysia to Visit in 2022 For The Perfect Beach Getaway
With Malaysia borders reopening, hopefully, a return to normalcy not just in Malaysia but for the entire region is on the horizon. Stay safe everyone, and get vaccinated!
Featured image credit: ampueroleonardo via CanvaPro
