Khairy: SOP for Interstate Travel to be finalised soon

Interstate and inter-district travel had been prohibited for ages now, especially after the second wave of the Covid-19 outbreak in Malaysia.

However, times are different now as Malaysians were gradually being vaccinated and may soon reach the threshold for herd immunity.

With that, the Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin had revealed his plans to allow interstate travel again, but his Ministry are still drawing up the standard operating procedure (SOP) for it.

“I have discussed this matter with Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah and we have landed on a recommendation.”

“We will present it to the National Security Council (NSC) soon. It is all there, but just give us a bit more time.” Khairy said, according to The Star.

He added that the SOP could not be implemented immediately as many states were still behind in their vaccination programme.

“You all know that as soon as we open the borders, it’s asking for trouble. We all know this, so I’m asking for just a bit more time. Just be patient.” he said.

Meanwhile, he also hinted that interstate travel could be possible after the state had vaccinated at least 60% of their adult population.

“By the end of September, all states are expected to have fully vaccinated 60% of their adults.” he said, adding that the country’s Covid-19 SOP currently still does not allow non-essential travel between states.

As of now, only Klang Valley, Labuan, Sarawak, Negri Sembilan, Perlis and Melaka have fully vaccinated 60% of their adult population, while the vaccination rate in other states were between 41.5% and 59%.

Nonetheless, the government also said that interstate travel could be one of the biggest reasons for cases of COVID-19 spreading across the country.

From past records, some Malaysians have been sneaking out of their residences to travel during the festive seasons, and this had contributed to the current third wave of cases Malaysia is still reeling from.

The nationwide Movement Control Order (MCO) is still in effect and only those who are in the business of essential services, logistics, emergencies, trading of essentials and medical were allowed to interstate travel.

According to the latest SOP relaxation, long-distance married couples who are fully vaccinated can also make interdistrict and interstate travel to meet their spouses, and parents who are fully vaccinated can cross district and state borders to meet their children who are below 18 years old.

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