Self-test before you balik kampung to keep loved ones safe, says Khairy

PUTRAJAYA: With interstate travel set to resume, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has called on those with “balik kampung” plans to take Covid-19 self-tests before visiting family members.

The government has decided to allow people to cross state borders once 90% of the adult population have been vaccinated and currently, the figure is at 88.4%.

“(Only) 1.6% before interstate borders open. While the Health Ministry has transitioned to symptomatic testing, we encourage people who are in high contact and mobility settings to test regularly.

“If you want to balik kampung to see elderly parents, do a RTK saliva test. Keep them safe,” Khairy tweeted on Wednesday (Oct 6).

The government is preparing to transition Malaysia from the Covid-19 pandemic to an endemic phase, where all sectors are reopened and people learn to live with the virus.

Khairy said the onus is now on the people to practise responsible behaviour.

“As we transition towards endemicity, we cannot police things anymore, such as setting up roadblocks to see if you have been fully vaccinated or tested.

“Much will now depend on personal responsibility and behaviour. I believe we can rise to the challenge in #ReopeningSafely,” he said.