KUALA LUMPUR: The Covid-19 Ministerial Quartet made it possible for the country to transition to endemicity, says Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

       Speaking at its final meeting yesterday, the Defence Minister said this was in line with the government’s aim to allow people to return to normalcy.

       He noted the Ministerial Quartet, comprising Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz and himself, first met on Sept 14 last year.

       Since then, he said, the 181 standard operating procedures (SOPs) used since March 2020, had been reduced to just one with nine guidelines.

       “All sectors have reopened, festivals are allowed to be celebrated, and masks are also no longer mandated outdoors,” he said after chairing the 16th Covid-19 Ministerial Quartet meeting, yesterday.

       He added efforts to reopen safely also depended on cooperation from the various ministries, government agencies and the public sector.

       Hishammuddin also extended his appreciation to all members of the Quartet for their commitment and cooperation throughout.

       Also present yesterday were Khairy, Tengku Zafrul, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Singapore Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.

       The Ministerial Quartet was among the main initiatives by the government to open the nation in stages with the goal of ‘Reopening Safely’.