Malaysia to Begin Interstate Travel as 90% Adults Fully Jabbed

(Bloomberg) --

Malaysia reached its target of fully vaccinating 90% of the adult population, a milestone that allows the government to end a months-long ban on interstate travel.

Fully inoculated people will be allowed to cross state borders from Oct. 11, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said in a televised broadcast on Sunday. In addition, citizens who have completed both doses will no longer be required to apply for the MyTravelPass scheme to travel overseas, he said. 

Malaysia’s rapid vaccine rollout has allowed the government to gradually lift curbs on movements as it aims to reopen all economic and social sectors by the final quarter of the year. The country plans to reopen its borders to foreign travel in December once 90% of adults are fully inoculated, Ismail said in an interview with local media earlier this month.

“Despite all the concessions that have been announced, the fact is that we have to live with the virus,” Ismail said. “The situation demands that people continue to adhere to SOPs. I’d like to remind people not be complacent about the relaxations.”

Since Oct. 1, all states have met the key metrics to exit the first phase of Malaysia’s pandemic roadmap, known as the National Recovery Plan. The government last month resumed domestic tourism to certain locations, starting with Langkawi island as the pilot initiative.

While 90% of adults completed their jabs, almost 95% have received the first dose, data from the health ministry show. Malaysia counted 7,373 new Covid infections on Sunday, the smallest number in three months.

©2021 Bloomberg L.P.