Interstate travel likely to be allowed by first half of October, says NRC chairman Muhyiddin

PUTRAJAYA: Interstate travel will likely be allowed during the first half of October, says National Recovery Council chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Muhyiddin said the issue was one of the things discussed during the council’s meeting on Monday (Sept 27), which included several other Cabinet ministers.

“During the meeting, the council was told that interstate travel could be allowed early October or latest, the middle of the month.

“So, you can start making plans to travel the country after this. But at the same time, do not forget to practise Covid-19 SOPs (standard operating procedure),” said Muhyiddin at a press conference after the meeting.

Muhyiddin said the council also discussed the reopening of the country’s borders to tourists and business travellers.

“The reopening of the country’s borders was also discussed. This will be deliberated by the ministers involved within this week.

“They will be looking into whether to allow fully vaccinated Malaysians to travel abroad. At the same time, it will also be discussed whether to allow tourists and business travellers into our country.

“I believe that would bring a big effect to the country.

“So, this matter will be brought up to the Prime Minister, and an announcement on it could be made soon,” said Muhyiddin.

It was the first time Muhyiddin had chaired the NRC meeting since being appointed as chairman of the council.

Also present at the meeting was Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Senior Minister (International Trade and Industry) Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, Senior Minister (Education) Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz and Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

Muhyiddin said Khairy had also presented to the council about the falling numbers in the country’s intensive care units (ICU).

He said the council were also informed that Malaysia’s vaccination supply is sufficient to cover the country’s plan to provide booster shots.

The council had also proposed that an NRC be established in all states, and they will be headed by the respective chief ministers.

Other items on the meeting’s agenda included the reopening of schools and higher learning institutions.