Malaysia may consider allowing interstate travel if travellers are fully vaccinated: DPM Ismail Sabri

This problem has been highlighted to the National Security Council, through grievances shared by netizens, and the proposal is being refined to possibly allow it, said DPM Ismail.

Couples and families in Malaysia may soon be able to meet their loved ones across states if they are fully vaccinated with two doses, said Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaacob on 22 July (Friday).

On Facebook, DPM Ismail shared how he was exposed to many netizens “voicing their grievances” about the impact on families and long-distance relationships due to interstate travel bans.

“As a father, I realise how important the institution of the family is to human beings.

“Even for safety reasons, a mother or father should not be forced to separate from their children for too long. Especially if the parents have already received two doses of vaccine,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

As such, he shared, this has been a problem he’d like the National Security Council (Majlis Keselamatan Negara, or MKN) to address as soon as possible, and to have some “flexibility” for those who have already been fully inoculated.

“The government is refining this proposal to enable long-distance couples and families to be reunited,” DPM Ismail explained.

According to a report from The Star, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin earlier mentioned that the government is, in fact, looking to relax COVID-19 restrictions on those who are fully vaccinated with two doses. This would mean that people may be able to travel and to dine-in at restaurants and eateries; have more sense of normality according to PM Muhyiddin.

Related news: [Updated] SOPs for Malaysia's 4-phase National Recovery Plan

Image / Malaysia's DPM Ismail Yaacob's Facebook

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