THE Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) has urged the Government to reopen international borders for fully-vaccinated travellers into and out of the country.
With the high number of fully vaccinated people, the association felt that it was the correct step for the people to be allowed to travel into and out of the country with lesser restrictions and hassles as a further step to promote travel and tourism.
“The Government has previously announced new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for umrah pilgrims and these new SOPs should be the same standard for Malaysians travelling abroad,” said MATTA outbound vice president Cynthia Tan.
“We believe that the new SOPs have been [carefully considered] and hence we are urging the Government to also allow for Malaysians who are travelling out of the country for business or leisure to follow similar guidelines and SOPs.”
Tan said that while MATTA understands the Government’s concerns for the health and safety of the people in Malaysia, many other countries that were also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic had now reopened their borders.
“Malaysia must do likewise and we cannot be closed further,” she remarked, adding that the pandemic has caused a crisis in the tourism economy, giving an immense shock to the sector and the people involved.
“The Government have said that we are preparing for the endemic stage and for the people to learn to live with the virus. With that, the international borders should be reopened very soon for people to travel in and out of Malaysia.
“The people will be wise to follow the SOPs and to abide with the necessary safety and health protocols when they travel.” – Feb 17, 2022
