By Mei Kuan
Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that interstate travel is allowed effective tomorrow (October 11) for individuals who have completed two doses of vaccine.
“The much-awaited decision is made following the national rate of full vaccination for the adult population under the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) reaching 90%. The latest data will be reflected in the COVIDNOW website at midnight,” he explained.
“Those who have not completed both doses and those who have not been vaccinated are not allowed to travel interstate. Make sure your parents at home are fully vaccinated, too. Although there will be no roadblocks specifically for cross state movements, police can still conduct random checks wherever you are, such as at the rest and service areas (R&R). Roadblocks to monitor safety like the ‘Ops Benteng’ operation are still being conducted,” he pointed out during the live media conference which began at 3pm today (October 10).
Do take note that the travel permission does not include entry into areas placed under the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO).
“For adolescents who have yet to be fully vaccinated, they are allowed to travel interstate but parents or guardians must take care of their safety by not bringing them along to crowded settings among others,” the Prime Minister stated.
As the interstate travel ban is lifted, tourism activities within the country are also permitted for individuals who have fully completed their vaccination.
“Although freedom is granted for movement, I urge all to not be careless in terms of SOP (standard operating procedure) compliance. The Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act (Act 342) under the Ministry of Health remains effective. If you are displaying symptoms such as fever or cough, it is better to postpone your trip home to meet the family,” he highlighted.
He also announced that the MyTravelPass is no longer necessary for those who wish to travel out of the country.
“Previously, the MyTravelPass was mandatory for those who travel out of the country for approved categories like business purposes, education and official government matters. Effective tomorrow (October 11), anyone can travel out of the country for official and non-official activities like tourism. The major condition is one must have completed two doses of vaccine,” Sabri added.
As for return to the country after travel, swab tests and the 14-day quarantine as set by the Ministry of Health are still effective. Quarantine is allowed to be carried out either at home or at quarantine centres for certain cases.
He reminded the Malaysian family (keluarga Malaysia) to practise the 5-step TRIIS (Test, Report, Isolate, Inform and Seek) as we move towards the upcoming transition into the endemic phase.
Owners of shopping malls, food premises and grocery stores, offices and sports facilities including gyms and others are also reminded to check customers’ vaccination status and risk status via the MySejahtera.
“Those who have yet to be vaccinated are also urged to obtain it as soon as possible because the relaxations granted necessitate two doses of vaccine, be it interstate travel, international travel or entry into a shopping mall,” he stressed.
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