Malaysia to transition into endemic phase starting 1 April

The transition would still induce the implementation of the mask mandate and social distancing at places of worship

Starting 1 April, Malaysia will start its transition into the endemic phase, said Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob during a press conference on 8 March. The decision can be attributed to the feedback and risk assessments by the Health Ministry, as well as the recommendations of the Ministerial Quartet.

As part of the country’s “Reopening Safely” plan, the transition would still induce the implementation of the mask mandate and social distancing at places of worship, according to The Star. 

The Prime Minister also noted that business operating hours will no longer be limited, saying, “This means you can all dine in after midnight, especially with Ramadan coming soon. We will be able to have our sahur outside.”

Moreover, the 50 percent capacity limit for event venues will be lifted as well — “However, organisers are encouraged to continue imposing physical distancing rules,” the Prime Minister added.

Channel News Asia reported that starting 1 April, fully vaccinated international travellers entering Malaysia will no longer undergo quarantine. Apart from this, instead of using the MyTravelPass application prior to entry, foreigners will only need to download and activate the MySejahtera contact tracing app and fill out the pre-departure form.

More: Thailand seeks travel bubbles with China, Malaysia, and India

Non-fully vaccinated or unvaccinated visitors are required to go through a five-day quarantine upon arrival, according to Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin. “After they exit quarantine, the individual must adhere to the conditions set by the Malaysian government. For example, they cannot dine at restaurants if they are not fully vaccinated,” he emphasised.

Children and teenagers below the age of 17 are allowed quarantine-free entry is allowed, regardless of their vaccination status. They would, however, need to undergo a pre-departure reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and post-arrival antigen rapid test (RTK-Ag) like the others.

Currently, vaccinated foreigners who have taken their booster doses are required to observe a five-day quarantine period and seven days for those without booster doses.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].