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Malaysia to delay transition to Covid-19 endemic phase due to Omicron concerns

This article is more than 12 months old

KUALA LUMPUR (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Malaysia has decided to delay the transition into the endemic phase as there is too much uncertainty regarding the recent spread of the Covid-19 Omicron variant, said Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

He said this was decided by the Cabinet after its Quartet Ministers meeting on Tuesday (Nov 30).

"Most importantly, for now, the Quartet Meeting decided to temporarily put a pause on our efforts in transitioning to the endemic stage until we know more about the Omicron variant," said Datuk Seri Hishammuddin during a press conference in Parliament.

He said the Omicron variant was deliberated at length during the meeting earlier, adding that if there is another wave of Covid-19 infections, it could put Malaysia's progress in the pandemic at risk.

"If we don't monitor Omicron closely, then how are we supposed to deal with it?" he asked.

He also said Putrajaya is monitoring countries where Omicron has spread and added that the situation remains fluid at the moment.

However, he assured that there will be no changes in the country's international tourism programme in Langkawi.

At the same time, he also said matters of domestic travel were also addressed together with Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong and representatives from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.

"They were considering other tourism bubble locations after Langkawi," he added.

Regarding Langkawi as a success, Mr Hishammuddin said there will soon be an announcement by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry with Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Meanwhile, Mr Hishammuddin also said the ban on African countries - South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe - were not based on geopolitics, but health.

"I believe that these African countries understand that it isn't about diplomacy or geopolitics, but health. We don't want to jeopardise our progress since 1½ years ago with irresponsible decisions," said Mr Hishammuddin.

Meanwhile, Mr Hishammuddin also said that after the launch of the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme between Malaysia and Singapore, the government is also considering opening up other similar routes to Kuching, Penang and Langkawi.

"I have asked all sides to continue discussions with the concerned countries and we will not make a decision until we know the real impact of Omicron. I hope everyone in our country will remain vigilant and not take risks," he said.

For now, the land VTL initiative, which allows quarantine-free travel, is only for vaccinated individuals who are citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders of Malaysia and Singapore.

malaysiacoronavirusVACCINATED TRAVEL LANE/VTL