PETALING JAYA: Malaysians will be allowed to travel overseas without going through the Immigration Department’s MyTravelPass beginning today, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

       “The decision to allow Malaysians to travel overseas is to connect separated family members and couples.

       “It is also for Malaysians travelling overseas for the purposes of work and business. However, overseas travel will only be allowed for those who are fully inoculated,” he said during his special address yesterday afternoon.

       Ismail Sabri said fully-vaccinated Malaysians who were returning to the country must be tested for Covid-19 three days before their departure, and again upon arriving in the country.

       “Travellers must also do a swab test three days before returning to Malaysia, and another swab test upon arriving Malaysia.

       “For Malaysians, self-quarantine at home is allowed.

       “If there are cases, the Health Ministry will then place them at quarantine centres.”

       However, Ismail Sabri said this does not mean that Malaysian borders have been reopened for international tourists.

       Ismail Sabri said a decision has yet to be made on the reopening of international tourism in Malaysia; the announcement would be made after more studies were conducted by the Health Ministry.

       “Studies are still ongoing and, God willing, we will make an announcement soon.”

       Ismail Sabri said the government was evaluating countries that have low Covid-19 risks.

       “Now, most countries in the world have vaccinated their people and this new development will be considered by the Health Ministry as it decides to reopen our international borders,” he added.

       Previously, travellers who were allowed entry into Malaysia were citizens, foreigners with permanent resident status, diplomats and dependants of a foreign mission in Malaysia, and those who are Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Pass Holders, student pass holders, oil and gas workers, seafarers as well as those on medical tourism.

       Passengers were also previously required to hold a valid MyTravelPass before entering Malaysia.