The lifting of the travel ban, however, does not apply to localities placed under the EMCO

by TMR / pic by TMR FILE

INTERSTATE travel is allowed for people who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 from today, following the country’s vaccination rate of the adult population having hit 90%.

Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the lifting of the travel ban, however, does not apply to localities placed under the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO), while Sabah said it is studying the federal government’s decision and will submit proposals to the state Cabinet on Wednesday.

“With this decision, Keluarga Malaysia can travel freely to visit their hometowns, go on holidays and so on,” he said at a press conference yesterday, adding that police permits are no longer needed to travel.

The interstate travel ban began on May 10 with then PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as an effort to contain a third wave of the pandemic, after Malaysia saw a drastic spike in Covid-19 cases.

Ismail Sabri reminded Malaysians not to be complacent with the standard operating procedures which have been facilitating the reopening of Malaysia’s economy, as well as safely preparing for life in the endemic phase.

While it is not compulsory, Ismail Sabri advised individuals travelling interstate to test themselves for Covid-19 before embarking on their journey, to protect their loved ones.

“Those with symptoms such as fever, cough, flu and breathing difficulties, I advise you to postpone your trip.

“If you test positive, quarantine yourself or contact the nearest Covid-19 Assessment Centre for immediate treatment,” he said.

He also said anti-crime roadblocks and inspections conducted under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) will continue.

Unvaccinated teenagers and children could travel interstate with their parents or guardians, but it is the responsibility of the adults to protect them from Covid-19 with the SOPs.

The PM added that the permission to travel interstate will not be rescinded even if there was a spike in Covid-19 cases.

“We will only close premises that report cases of infection, for example in Langkawi, we only closed that one hotel,” he said.

Meanwhile, fully vaccinated Malaysians can now travel abroad without the MyTravelPass (MTP), also effective today.

“However, the approval is subject to the individual having been completely vaccinated and travellers are still required to undergo quarantine upon returning to the country,” he said.

MTP, introduced by the Immigration Department on Oct 7 last year, was for Malaysians and foreigners to enter and exit the country.

However, Malaysia is yet to allow entry to foreigners except for emergency, business or official government matters.

“The Health Ministry will be evaluating the opening of national gateways to foreign tourists and it will be announced soon.

“Those entering the country will also be required to undergo Covid-19 screening tests in their country of origin, which is three days before arriving in Malaysia and they must also undergo the stipulated quarantine period,” he said.

On whether other countries would accept the entry of Malaysian tourists, Ismail Sabri said that would depend on the respective countries’ regulations.

“Previously, we had proposed the Green Travel Bubble and seven countries were open to the idea, but that was before Covid-19 cases spiked in many countries,” he said.