KANGAR: Thailand has agreed to reopen its land borders with Malaysia in Wang Kelian, Perlis and Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah from April 1, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (pic).

       The Prime Minister said this was good news, especially for the people in the two states.

       He said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had also been asked to hold discussions with the Thai Government for the immediate opening of the border in Padang Besar, Perlis and other locations in the north of the country.

       "Yesterday, I announced the full opening of the Malaysia-Singapore land border as well as the daily commuting route for those who work there.

       "The opening of the border will make it easier for people to work and the SOP (standard operating procedures) that we have imposed are also quite relaxed, namely no more quarantine nor the need to undergo PCR or RTK testing pre-departure and upon arrival," he said when officiating the 2022 Perlis Malaysian Family Aspirations Tour programme here on Friday (March 25).

       He said the move would contribute to the country's recovery and positively impact the economic sustainability and well-being of Malaysians.

       He hoped that the SOP implemented at the Malaysia-Singapore border in Johor could also be implemented at the Malaysia-Thailand border.

       Meanwhile, in line with the transition to endemic phase from April 1, Ismail Sabri said the government has launched the Malaysian Family Community Ambassador volunteer programme, aimed at empowering communities to look after themselves during the transition phase.

       He said although physical distancing would not be required, Malaysian families still had to comply with SOP such as wearing face masks and to observe personal hygiene.

       "Community ambassadors will be stationed in high-risk areas that are enclosed and congested. They will ensure that the information presented to the community is accurate, up-to-date and effective in a gentle, prudent and polite manner," he said.

       When concluding his speech, the Prime Minister also announced an allocation of RM5mil for the Perlis government to conduct a feasibility study on building a new passenger ferry jetty in Kuala Perlis. – Bernama