You can cross border to Thailand and Singapore soon, but not on 1-March

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) has revealed they are also expecting the country's borders to reopen very soon. However, it may not necessarily be 1-March-2022.

MoTAC minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri told the press that the opening of the country border will be carried out in stages. The first focus will be given to neighbouring countries and other Asian countries.

She also revealed that plans to reopen our country’s borders are underway thanks to the success of the Langkawi travel bubble. Langkawi recorded 720,000 domestic and foreign travellers since the travel bubble began last year.

Thanks to the success recorded in Langkawi, MoTAC is confident that there will be no issues opening the country borders to international travellers.

However, there is still a need to remain cautious as some countries have yet to reopen their country borders.

“As such, we have to take note of the requirements to open up as a whole, not create more travel bubbles.” She also added that MoTAC is optimistic with the preparations they have made towards the reopening of the country borders.

Commenting on the National Recovery Council’s (MPN) proposal for Malaysia to fully open the country borders without compulsory quarantine, Nancy said that the reopening will not necessarily be opened on 1-March-2022.

She highlighted that there is still a need to monitor the Covid-19 situation and hospitalisation rate after the Johor state election.

When asked about the discussion to start cross border travelling between Thailand and Malaysia scheduled for next month, Nancy answered that discussions are still ongoing.

Thailand is currently in talks with Malaysia to start a travel bubble for Malaysian and Thai travellers to cross borders without needing to observe quarantine. The travel bubble is expected to start as soon as next month. 

For the travel bubble, Malaysians and Thai travellors must undergo two mandatory PCR tests with negative results.

Also read: Soon, you can travel to Thailand and Singapore without quarantine, starting 1 March 2022