Malaysia eased COVID-19 restrictions on July 20 but tourism remains banned
Malaysia is not open for tourism, only to special long-pass holders and returning nationals only. There is a mandatory quarantine of 7-10 days at a government-appointed facility and negative PCR test results are required.
All costs for additional testing and hospitalization (if necessary), as well as quarantine accommodation, will be covered by the traveler.
The country started its vaccination campaign and tourism officials are confident this will allow them to welcome international tourists soon. They are negotiating bubble agreements and green lanes with neighboring countries.
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Related:
– Singapore reopening borders – Latest Updates
– Thailand Islands reopening for vaccinated tourits
Malaysia Reopening Borders – Latest Updates
July 28 – Malaysia eased COVID-19 restrictions on July 20 but international travel remains banned
The government ended the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) and eased COVID-19 restrictions on July 20 in most areas of the country including the capital Kuala Lumpur and Selangor State.
Restrictions are still tough. Interstate travel remains banned and children under the age of 12 are allowed to leave home for essential reasons only. These include going to the doctor and other emergency situations.
International travel remains banned. In order to get an entry permit, visitors need to get a formal written approval from the Malaysian Government. Such permission can be obtained through My Travel Pass, a portal of Malaysian Immigration.
Source: U.S. Embassy in Malaysia
July 12 – Malaysia registered highest number of tourists in ASEAN countries in 2H 2020
Once the domestic lockdowns were lifted back in 2020, Malaysia recorded the highest number of domestic travelers among the 10 countries comprising the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“Despite an enormous drop in bookings, the desire for Malaysians to travel is crystal clear across all regions of the country and we saw Malaysia’s destinations which never made it to our top 10 before, made it into that list,” said Agoda corporate development vice president Tim Hughes during the virtual conference Maybank’s Invest ASEAN 2021.
According to Hughes, the winning strategy has been focusing on creating flexible products appealing to local markets.
Source: The Edge Markets
June 28 – Malaysia will remain under full lockdown after June 28, while business groups urge the government to reopen
On June 27, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the country will remain under lockdown after June 28, the day the nationwide restrictions were supposed to be lifted.
Industries Unite (IU), an association that gathers 3 million businesses, has demanded the government to reopen the economy since the “full” Movement Control Order has not shown symptoms of helping flatten the curve.
“People are struggling to put food on the table, how many months of reserve can businesses be expected to have?” said David Gurupatham, coordinator for the IU coalition at a press conference. He also added that businesses “cannot last beyond the next couple of months”.
As of today, the government has not issued an official response. (Source).
Is Malaysia and Singapore’s border open?
The border between Malaysia and Singapore remains closed until further notice.
Prior to Covid-19, the border between Malaysia and Singapore was among the world’s busiest. There were over 29,000 flights between the two countries annually as well as 300,000 daily land crossings.
Rules for Medical Tourists in Malaysia
They will be required to register with the Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and download an app.
Prior to coming to Malaysia, they must pass a Covid-19 test. They will also be tested upon arrival. They must go directly into quarantine at the hospital or clinic where they will receive care.
If a medical tourist has a family member or guardian, then that person must also follow these guidelines.
Which countries can enter Malaysia?
Malaysia allows visitors coming under the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO). Only special long-pass holders and returning nationals are allowed entry.
Can Americans visit Malaysia?
Unless they fall in the categories mentioned above or are diplomats or their families, Americans are not allowed entry to the country.
Malaysia’s Borders still Closed; Delays Likely
Since March, 2020, tourism has been restricted in Malaysia with a government ordered Movement Control Order (MCO) in place. General tourism is still not possible, but as of July 1 medical tourists were allowed.
In addition, a few other foreigners are being allowed to enter. These include foreign spouses and dependents and a few select workers in high management positions. These arrivals must follow the same strict entry rules as medical tourists.
How the Coronavirus has affected Malaysia
As of July 28, Malaysia has recorded 1,061,476 cases and 8,551 deaths caused by the virus.
Malaysia imposed a strict quarantine policy that included asymptomatic patients. Anyone who came into close contact with a confirmed coronavirus patient was subject to being hospitalized. It also imposed mass testing early on, particularly in high-risk areas.
Why visit Malaysia?
Located in Southeast Asia, Malaysia takes up part of the Malay Peninsula as well as the island of Borneo.
It’s known for its natural beauty, with white sand beaches and tropical rainforests. It is also a melting pot of cultures, with Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Europeans all living here.
Visitors to Malaysia can choose between two very different experiences. They can either visit the Malay Peninsula, which has an ultramodern capital, Kuala Lumpur, and a blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European cultures.
Or they can visit the Malaysian Borneo. Here they will find orangutans and remote tribes in the wild jungles as well as granite peaks, massive trees, and waterfalls. There are also beautiful islands, excellent diving, colonial towns to explore, and luxury resorts.
For those who seek pristine white beaches, Langkawi offers 99 islands to choose from. An archipelago in the Andaman Sea, it is Malaysia’s heaviest tourist destination.
Conservationists can visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation center, which was opened in 1964. Here they can meet rescued orphans, who are trained to survive in the wild. They are released into the adjacent sanctuary.
In Kuala Lumpur, meanwhile, tourists can see the Petronas Twin Towers, which are the tallest twin buildings in the world. The Batu Caves near the city offer magnificent Hindu art and there are many beautiful Buddhist and Hindu temples within the city itself.
The Bukit Bintag shopping district offers both daytime bargains and trendy nightlife.
Thanks to the mix of cultures here, there are also some addictively tasty dishes to try.
It may be a while before Malaysia opens its borders. When it does, make sure your visit here encompasses both the highlights of the peninsula and the unique charms of Borneo.
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