Postpone interstate travel for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, says Health Minister

PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has proposed that interstate travel for the Aidilfitri celebrations be postponed, says Health Minister Datuk Dr Adham Baba.

He was quoted saying on Astro Awani that this is because the Covid-19 transmission rate is still at a worrying level.

"Many parties have appealed to the government to allow interstate travel for Hari Raya Aidilfitri. However, the Ministry proposes that it be postponed," said Dr Adham.

He added that this is due to a new variant of Covid-19 in the community and the ongoing national vaccination programme.

Dr Adham said this when speaking to reporters at the Health Ministry on Thursday (April 15) after launching a book titled "Malaysia Health Sector Responsr To Covid-19 Pandemic-Perspectives From The Field".

Asked whether those who have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine will be given an exemption for interstate travel, Dr Adham said he will wait for the input from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and The United States' Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"We are still awaiting for input from the WHO and the CDC to give a clearer explanation to us as to whether such an exemption can be given for interstate travel," he said.

"However, for those who are frontliners, interstate travel is allowed as it is essential for them to be deployed," said the Minister.