By ASILA JALIL / Pic by MUHD AMIN NAHARUL

Malaysia will reopen its borders on April 1, 2022 as the country shifts into an endemic phase. 

In a press conference yesterday, Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said although the Omicron variant has led to a surge in the number of daily positive cases, the majority of the cases however are in categories one or two, which are considered mild. 

The cases which are in categories three, four or five currently stands at 0.7% while those who require monitoring at the intensive care units (ICUs) is at 42%. 

“After taking into account various factors such as conducting risk evaluations, getting views from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and evaluating suggestions from the quartet ministers, I would like to announce that the country will enter an endemic phase on April 1, 2022.

“The government has also decided to reopen the border on April 1, 2022. The decision was made based on three main factors, namely the latest scientific data on Covid-19, by comparing the need to reopen borders with other neighbouring countries and to facilitate individuals who wish to travel,” he said at the Parliament building today.