Malaysia Borders To Reopen March 1st, Says Muhyiddin. Good Idea?

Malaysia’s National Recovery Council (NRC) has agreed to fully reopen the country’s international borders on March 1st to all countries, according to a statement made by its chairman, former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

That being said, while the NRC’s blessing is a significant motivator, the decision ultimately falls onto the cabinet, which is responsible for executing the order or possibly delaying it.

The country has been partially closed to international travellers, with some exceptions made on a case-by-case basis and only to certain approved countries, since early 2020 shortly after the implementation of the original Movement Control Order (MCO).

The council's move was ultimately given the nod in order to support the country’s economic recovery despite the health ministry’s prediction that the spike in positive Covid-19 cases due to the Omicron strain would peak later in the next month.

“This means tourists can visit, investors can come in. The number of tourists will increase, and the tourism industry can recover […] The aviation industry can recover … and shops that depend on tourists will have increased business. We believe this decision is a good one but at the same time we have to make sure that the SOPs are adhered to,” he said.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin, who ironically did test positive for the virus a day later after making the statement on behalf of the NRC (get well soon!), noted that those entering the country once borders were reopened would have to undergo mandatory health and Covid-19 screening upon arrival, adding "the opening of the nation's borders needs to be done accordingly and based on current risk assessment.”

It was hinted that the quarantine period will be reduced or no longer be required after March 1st following the proposed full border reopening. However, confirmation of this is forthcoming as the NRC will be issuing full details on the requirements and SOPs “soon”.

Currently, foreign travellers to Malaysia are met with a mandatory 7-day quarantine period while partially or non-vaccinated individuals are required to quarantine for 10 days. International visitors with booster shots can have that shaved down to just 5 days.

Since facing the pandemic, Malaysia has recorded over 2.9 million cases and over 32,000 deaths. However, some 98% of the country’s adult population has been fully vaccinated with over 54% of that already receiving a 3rd booster shot.

Does that mean I can finally start planning a road trip into Thailand?