KUALA LUMPUR: Despite allowing interstate and international travel, authorities will still enforce and monitor existing standard operating procedures, says Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (pic).

       "We received a report and there was a discussion with the Home Ministry and the police, and they have given their assurance that the monitoring and enforcement of the existing SOP will continue,” the Senior Defence Minister said after chairing the fifth Covid-19 Quartet Ministers Meeting yesterday.

       Hishammuddin said enforcement will be conducted through random monitoring.

       He also noted that although Malaysians no longer need to go through the Immigration Department’s MyTravelPass, they are required to quarantine once they return home from abroad.

       On the SOP related to ventilation and air quality at workplaces and learning institutions, he said the matter was still being discussed and reviewed.

       Meanwhile, when asked whether there was a need for a travel bubble concept for international travellers, Hishammuddin said he would wait for feedback from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

       On the need to release a list of countries that can be visited by Malaysians, he said it was a good proposal but it would be under the purview of the Health Ministry.

       Asked on the exact date of the endemic phase, Hishammuddin said he could not make the announcement yet.

       “Our hashtag is reopening safely. It must be based on facts and data. Each week, experts and professionals will give their feedback, and not only from the health aspect.

       “What we are looking at now, we have a structure and starting to look forward towards the endemic phase,” he added.