Malaysia’s borders are expected to reopen soon, following recent comments from Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob saying the Health Ministry intends to “slightly relax” the current protocols. He also admitted that the return of international tourists to Malaysia would provide a major boost to the nation’s tourism industry.
The PM added that the relaxation in SOPs will likely happen once the latest round of booster jabs has been completed. Almost 98% of the Malaysian adult population has now been fully vaccinated, with health and safety protocols continuing to be observed nationwide. This puts Malaysia in a good position to reopen safely, sooner rather than later.
Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) president Uzaidi Udanis recently stated that “it’s about time Malaysia reopens its borders.” He insists that, with neighbouring countries like Thailand already welcoming back foreign visitors, Malaysia should take action soon if it doesn’t want to be left behind. “We could relax the restrictions, but cautiously, to keep the virus at bay by imposing conditions on travellers, including ensuring that they are fully vaccinated before entering the country,” said Udanis.
One destination that’s being highlighted for special promotion when the borders reopen is Sabah, where the potential for wellness and wildlife tourism is especially high. This combination makes the region an ideal destination for returning travellers. Officials in Sabah are proposing that an air and land vaccinated travel lane (VTL), similar to the existing reciprocal travel corridor between Malaysia and Singapore, should also be implemented in the state. State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin has given his support to a bubble concept along similar lines for Sabah.
In 2019, Sabah registered a total of 4,195,903 tourist arrivals, largely thanks to direct and chartered international flights. Last month, Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that international tourists can now visit other states in Malaysia via Langkawi, via the Langkawi Bubble scheme.
In neighbouring Sarawak, Malaysia Aviation Group Bhd (MAG) and the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) have announced a year-long partnership to promote Sarawak as a tourist destination in 2022. Under the memorandum of understanding (MOU), MAG and STB will work together to market and promote events involving STB, Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, MASwings and MHholidays in the region. The news is a great indicator that tourism is poised to make a major comeback in the months ahead.
On 4 January, Sarawak officially entered Phase Four of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), according to the State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN). This means the state has been confirmed safe and ready to welcome back international arrivals. On 9 January, Malaysia’s Health Director-general, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah confirmed the country has been ranked sixth in the global Covid-19 recovery index; an indication of the country’s success in responding to the pandemic and a positive sign for the immediate future of its tourism sector.
In terms of tourism promotion, the Malaysian government has taken great strides forward in the last month. In January, a delegation attended the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Cambodia, in order to promote Malaysia as a safe travel destination for international tourists. The group was led by Datuk Wira Dr. Noor Zari Hamat, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture; and Datuk Musa Yusof, Deputy Director-General (Promotion) of Tourism Malaysia.
In terms of when borders are expected to reopen, there is still no firm date in place. Malaysia was preparing to welcome international tourists back on 1 January, but this was pushed back in response to the emergence of the Omicron variant. The Ministry of Health is currently taking extra steps to defend Malaysia against transmission, with a combination of extra booster dose coverage and the implementation of TRIIS (test, report, isolate, inform and seek) protocols. This is combined with heightened personal safety protocols, including the mandatory wearing of masks and tightened controls at international entry points.
Although precautions are currently being taken, quarantine-free arrivals remain the target. A recent report from Oxford Economics’ lead Asia economist, Sian Fenner, confirmed that Malaysia, together with Australia and New Zealand, are the world’s best-placed nations for reopening. This is due to their progress in Covid-19 vaccinations, combined with low case numbers and relatively large tourism sectors.
Malaysia’s National Recovery Plan (NRP) involves reopening the tourism sector in three stages. as The first stage involves ‘pilot destinations’, including Langkawi and Kuching. This approach will then be steadily scaled up and extended nationwide. Designated Phase 4 locations will be allowed to welcome back international travel and inbound tourists.
The Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) and the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), along with various other key partners, such as the Malaysian Hotel Association and the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers, continue to work alongside the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) to implement and monitor tourism’s revival post-pandemic. At present, the signs are certainly encouraging.
Panorama Destination Malaysia News:
We are using the hiatus offered to us by the global pandemic to prepare a range of new products, tours and services with a clear emphasis on safe and sustainable travel. Our new products will provide clients with clean, green travel to some of Malaysia’s most beautiful natural locations and traditional cultural highlights. Connecting green zones together, these tours will turn travel bubble discoveries into something truly memorable.
To ensure the safety of clients when they return, Panorama Destination has introduced a dedicated set of health and safety protocols, based on a company-wide Covid-19 policy. We have also achieved safety certification from internationally recognised organizations, and are a member of the World Travel & Tourism Council ‘Safe Travels’ campaign.
Last year, Panorama Destination Malaysia achieved Travelife Partner status. This internationally recognised certification enables us to provide products and services that are more deeply rooted in sustainability; providing travel experiences that positively impact the environment and communities where we operate.
Panorama Destination works alongside Government and other DMCs in Malaysia, to ensure safe and standardised services for returning visitors. We continue to provide the latest breaking news regarding Covid-19 and its impact on tourism via our social media channels:
