Malaysia to re-open its borders

Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced on Tuesday that its borders will re-open for international travelers on April 1. The reopening comes as the country enters the endemic stage of COVID-19.

However, Yaakob added: “Taking into account the Omicron variant which is still in our country and other countries, there are some mandatory steps for both Malaysians and travelers.”

From April 1, 2022, mandatory quarantine will be dropped for fully vaccinated travelers. However, they will still be required to undergo a PCR test within two days of departure for Malaysia, as well as a rapid antigen test on arrival.

Meanwhile, Malaysia defines fully vaccinated as having passed more than 14 days since receiving the second dose of Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Sinovac vaccines. In the case of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson or Cansino vaccine, 28 days must have passed.

Other changes to the rules

Yaakob also said that international visitors no longer need to apply for formal written approval to enter Malaysia. Under the previous rules, international travelers were required to sign up for the My Travel Pass program.

Under the new regulations, visitors will be required to download the MySejahtera contact tracing app for their stay in Malaysia.

What about unvaccinated travelers?

So far, changes in entry protocols for unvaccinated travelers have yet to be announced. Reportedly, the Prime Minister will make an announcement later in the week.

Changing border measures

Previously, Malaysia imposed among the strictest border measures in Southeast Asia. The country banned most international travelers from visiting from March 2020. At the time, returning citizens and residents had to undergo mandatory quarantine on arrival in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, previously the only way tourists could visit Malaysia was through the island of Langkawi under the country’s International Tourism Pilot Project. The country also had vaccinated travel lanes open with its neighbor Singapore.

Malaysia’s decision to re-open its borders comes as several Southeast Asia countries have made similar plans. These countries include the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, where quarantine measures have been dropped. In their place, the countries now require vaccination certificates and negative PCR tests.

Other changes to restrictions

The Prime Minister also said that restrictions on business operating hours, social distancing, gatherings and interstate travel will also be eased in April. Meanwhile, the announcement comes as locals plan ahead for Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations in May. The festival sees Muslims around the world celebrating the end of the month of Ramadan.

What does Malaysia have to offer?

Malaysia offers modern cities, idyllic beaches, beautiful islands, national parks and rainforests packed with fascinating wildlife. Meanwhile, beautiful temples stand to mark the history of the South Eastern Asian country and its many blended cultures. Among the citizenry are Malay Muslims, Hindu and Muslim Indians, Chinese and the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo.

Foodies will appreciate the traditional cuisine served throughout the country as a blend of the many cultures that live in Malaysia. International travelers can also experience the country’s busy calendar of festivals.

Readers can start making plans to visit this exciting country when the rules change on April 1, 2022.