KUALA LUMPUR — Fully vaccinated Malaysians will be allowed to travel interstate without having to apply for permission from the authorities effective Monday (Oct 11), the country's Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.

“According to the Health Ministry, the fully vaccinated adult population has already reached 90 per cent. The data will be updated on the CovidNow website tonight,” Mr Ismail said in a special televised message on Sunday.

He said that Malaysians can now return to their hometowns to visit their families or for tourism.

Although it is not mandatory, Mr Ismail urged Malaysians to self-test before going back.

“I would also like to advise those who have colds, coughs or fever to avoid going back,” he said.

This comes as Malaysia recorded 7,373 new Covid-19 cases on Sunday, which represent a drop of over 1,300 cases from Saturday’s figure of 8,743.

It also means that new cases in Malaysia have remained below 10,000 for eight consecutive days.

Mr Ismail also said the government has agreed to allow Malaysians travelling abroad without the need to apply for the MyTravelPass from the Immigration Department beginning Monday as well.

“The government has agreed to abolish the use of MyTravelPass, which means that all Malaysians wishing to travel overseas, including for tourism purposes, are now allowed on the condition that they are fully vaccinated,” he said.

On Sept 22, Mr Ismail said interstate travel would resume when 90 per cent of the adult population in Malaysia have been fully vaccinated

According to the National Security Council, complete vaccinations are defined as those who have passed 14 days from the day they received their second dose for vaccines requiring two shots (Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Sinopharm and Sinovac).

As for vaccines requiring only one shot (Johnson & Johnson and CanSino), complete vaccination is defined as those who have passed 28 days upon receiving their shots.

Mr Ismail said that the interstate travel relaxation will not be rescinded should Covid-19 infections begin resurfacing now that people were able to travel freely.

“As I have mentioned, interstate travel relaxation will be enforced even if there is a surge in Covid-19 cases. I would like to assure everyone that businesses and livelihood will continue normally even if we have to close off certain areas.

“In fact, we can ensure not a single place needs to be cordoned off if we all adhere to the standard operating procedures,” he said.

As for international travellers, Mr Ismail pointed out that the country’s border was still closed to tourists with the exception of those travelling for emergency, business or official purposes despite the government lifting domestic travel restrictions. AGENCIES