All necessary preparations are being made at every international airport in the country to receive foreign passengers once the country’s borders reopen, says Malaysia Airports.
The airport operator has been continuously working with the authorities including the Health Ministry to improve process flow at airports, especially when it comes to arrivals. Over the past few months, passenger feedback have been taken into consideration to streamline everything.
Malaysia Airports managing director Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood commended the collaborative effort by the Health Ministry to engage the operator and other key stakeholders in coming up with safety protocols.
“The efficiency of safety protocols at the airport is a key focus area because it plays a major role in ensuring a pleasant passenger processing experience. Most passengers would not have travelled by air since the pandemic started, and therefore may be unfamiliar with the additional steps now required at the airport,” he said in a statement.
According to Iskandar Mizal, it’s vital to create a positive impression of the country among international visitors.
“We need to ensure that they have a good impression of Malaysia the moment they step foot on our soil and this first impression will be formed at the airport,” he said, adding that the Covid Protocol portal will help facilitate the arrival process.
The portal, an initiative by the Health Ministry, will be updated from time to time with the latest information for travellers to Malaysia.
“We are looking forward to seeing good growth in our international passenger and aircraft traffic movements as this would contribute significantly to the group’s and airport community’s business performance. Among others, inbound tourism will also be rejuvenated and the spillover effect throughout the entire value chain will benefit Malaysia’s economy positively,” said Iskandar Mizal.
Malaysia will reopen its borders to international travellers from April 1. Visitors and Malaysians who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will no longer have to quarantine when they arrive.
They must, however, undergo a RT-PCR test two days before departure and a professional rapid test (RTK-Antigen) upon arrival.
Meanwhile, international travellers who are not fully vaccinated must undergo five days of quarantine at the first point of entry in Malaysia.
Travellers who are not fully vaccinated will also be subjected to local Covid-19 protocols when in the country, including not being allowed to dine in at restaurants or enter non-essential shops like clothing and souvenir stores.
News of the border reopening has been lauded by many stakeholders in the tourism and aviation industry.
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) group chief executive officer Captain Izham Ismail said it’s a momentous occasion.
“The move signifies a momentous occasion in the nation’s long-standing battle with the Covid-19 pandemic and a beacon of light for the economic recovery of industries, including aviation, which has been impacted significantly since Malaysia’s borders closed two years ago,” he said.
MAG, the parent company of Malaysia Airlines and Firefly, said it will work with the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth reopening of the country’s borders. Some of its measures include reinstating flights that have been temporarily suspended and also increase flight frequency to facilitate connectivity.
He added that the company will continue to ensure high safety and hygiene standards.
“As a nation coming together and is transitioning into living and travelling with Covid-19, we urge communities to continue to remain vigilant to ensure (their own) safety, and of those around them too,” he said.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
