Easing of travel restrictions does not mean relaxing of Covid-19 SOP enforcement, says Hishammuddin

KUALA LUMPUR: Despite allowing interstate and international travels, authorities will continue to enforce and monitor existing Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs), says Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

The Senior Minister said that although the government had made such decisions, it does not mean that authorities will be less strict in terms of enforcement.

"We received a report and there was a discussion with the Home Ministry and the police, and they have given their assurances to us that monitoring and enforcement of existing SOP will continue," he told a press conference after chairing the fifth Covid-19 Quartet Ministers Meeting on Tuesday (Oct 12).

Hishammuddin said that this would be done through random monitoring at RnR stops along highways and mobile roadblocks, among other things.

He also said that although Malaysians travelling abroad no longer needed to go get the Immigration Department’s MyTravelPass, they were still required to be quarantined once they returned home.

On the SOP related to ventilation and air quality at workplaces and learning institutions, he said the matter was still being discussed and reviewed by the relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, asked whether there was a need for a travel bubble concept for international travellers, Hishammuddin said he would wait for the feedback from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.

On the need to release a list of countries that Malaysians are allowed to visit, he said it was a good proposal but it would be under the purview of the Health Ministry.

"That question should be asked to the Health Ministry," said Hishammuddin.

Asked on the exact date of the Covid-19 pandemic would transition to the endemic phase, Hishammuddin said that he could not make the announcement yet.

"Our hashtag is re-opening safely. It must be based on facts and data. Each week, experts and professionals will give their feedback, and not only from the health aspect.

"It will be vetted, crafted and coordinated by the National Security Council (NSC).

"What we are looking at now, we have a structure and start to look forward towards the endemic phase.

"I am worried about the announcement to allow interstate travel and we removed the MyTravelPass requirement to travel overseas... and the re-opening of schools, in terms of time for (transition to) the endemic (phase), it will depend a lot on what happens after we ease those restrictions,'' said Hishammuddin.

He also reminded all parties to observe the current SOPs for the benefit of all parties, by practising the TRIIS concept, which is Test, Report, Isolate, Inform and Seek.