KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will reopen its borders to international travellers starting April 1, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Tuesday (March 8).

       The Prime Minister said visitors, as well as Malaysian returnees, who are fully vaccinated are not required to undergo quarantine upon arrival.

       They, however, must undergo a RT-PCR test two days before departure and a rapid test (RTK) upon arrival.

       As for travellers who have not been fully vaccinated, Ismail Sabri said the entry procedures will be explained by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin on Wednesday (March 9).

       “As part of our “Transitioning to Endemicity” phase, the government has decided to reopen the country’s borders from April 1.

       “This move will revive the country’s economy, especially the tourism industry that has been heavily affected by the pandemic.

       “The decision is made based on science and current facts related to Covid-19, as well as the reopening of borders in other countries.

       “The country also wants to provide comfort to travellers and to not complicate their travel process.

       “Most importantly, Malaysia is now a destination that is open and can be visited by all,” said Ismail Sabri at a press conference in Parliament on Tuesday.

       For foreign travellers arriving into Malaysia, they are no longer required to apply through MyTravelPass.

       Ismail Sabri said they are only required to download the MySejahtera app and must complete a pre-departure form.

       As for Malaysians, Ismail Sabri said those with valid documents are free to travel to any other country that has reopened their borders to visitors.

       Countries that have yet to open their borders such as Singapore, Ismail Sabri said Malaysians can still use the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) method.

       He added that the country is also in the midst of implementing the VTL with Thailand, Brunei and Indonesia.

       The country’s borders have been shut since March 2020, while entry of foreign workers has been frozen due to the pandemic.

       Nearly 98% of Malaysia's adult population are fully vaccinated, while more than half have received booster shots.

       Although the country’s daily cases have shot up past the 30,000 mark due to the recent Omicron outbreak, 99% of the infections are mild or asymptomatic.

       Quick take on PM @IsmailSabri60’s PC

       On April 1, Malaysia moves into ‘transitioning to endemicity’.

       - International borders open. No quarantine for fully vax. PCR before arrival, RTK after arrival.

       - Restaurants can open according to license so 24hrs mamak back in play.

       — Khairy Jamaluddin