Malaysia opens borders for international travel

Malaysia has finally reopened for vaccinated, and as well as unvaccinated travellers after two years of travel restrictions. The country opened up for travel after maintaining some of the most rigid curbs in the region. Malaysia had earlier barred most foreign nationals from entering the country. Moreover, returning residents had to undergo quarantine. All that is now going to change.

There is already optimism that the move into the endemic phase will see economic recovery, especially for the country’s hard hit tourist sector which has been largely closed off.

Malaysia is a major travel destination in Asia, with Kuala Lumpur as its star attraction. The country is expecting to attract 2 million tourists this year after travel restrictions have been lifted.

Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong noted the influx of travellers moving across the bridge connecting Malaysia and Singapore, allowing families to reunite ahead of Ramadan, the Islamic fasting month, and Qingming, a traditional tomb-sweeping festival. Malaysia has so far reported 4,201,919 Covid-19 cases and 34,983 deaths.