The Malaysian government has decided to reopen its borders to foreign travelers. In addition, tourists are planned to be released from mandatory isolation upon arrival, according to the Malaysiakini portal.
The change will come into effect on March 1. Citizens traveling to Malaysia must take a PCR test for coronavirus before departure, and also re-test for COVID-19 after entry. Moreover, in case of a negative result, they will not have to remain in quarantine.
But the local health ministry is pushing for a gradual and cautious lifting of restrictions. In particular, the Ministry of Health proposes to postpone the opening of the state to foreign visitors until revaccination rates improve. In the country, about 80% of the population has been vaccinated and 53% received a booster dose of the drug.
Malaysia planned to start accepting tourists at the end of last year. However, the authorities later decided to postpone changes to the entry rules. At the same time, it was previously reported that the state was ready to recognize COVID-19 as an endemic disease and announce the end of the coronavirus pandemic.