PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry’s (MOH) views will be sought on possible “slight relaxation” of SOPs to permit the nation’s borders to be opened to international vacationers, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The Prime Minister stated the nation’s borders have remained closed since March 2020 due to issues over Covid-19 infections.
“We have seen countries relaxing their SOP for international tourists. Maybe this can be considered for Malaysia.
“If the two doses of vaccines and booster jabs exercise is completed, maybe we can consider relaxing the SOP a bit.
“But all this will depend on views from the Health Ministry,” he stated at a gathering with workers from the Prime Minister’s Department on Tuesday (Jan 25).
He identified that Malaysia had to be cautious about reopening its borders, as Covid-19 instances in different international locations have been nonetheless excessive.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that its strict insurance policies have results, together with on the tourism trade, which rely on home vacationers to revive their companies.
“So if more people have received their vaccine booster shots, maybe we can consider relaxing the SOP.
“If we can open our borders, the economy will also improve, But as I have mentioned, this will depend on the views of MOH,” he added.
