Important competitive edge

In a statement, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said it is ensuring that all its international airports are ready to receive the influx of international passengers into the country once borders re-open on April 1, 2022.(File pic: KLIA business traveller centre. - Bernama)

PETALING JAYA: While other countries in the region are still cautious about easing restrictions for international travellers, Malaysia’s transition into the endemic phase from April 1 will speed up the normalisation of social, economic and business activities say economists.

“The early transition in the second quarter will boost consumer and investor sentiment and strengthen the country’s prospects of achieving the 5.5% to 6.5% gross domestic product (GDP) growth expected this year,” said professor of economics at Sunway University Dr Yeah Kim Leng, adding that further easing of Covid-19 restrictions would benefit both the tourism and retail sectors.