Travellers told to beaware of requirements

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians going abroad have to be sensitive to the requirements of the countries they are visiting as the Malaysian digital vaccination certificate is not universally accepted, says Medical Practitioners Coalition Association of Malaysia president Dr Raj Kumar Maharajah.

“We have the international vaccine cards which are accepted for pilgrims who want to go to Mecca. Perhaps this can be filled up and signed by a registered medical practitioner to be used.

“The airlines and the travel agents, too, should have advised the travellers. Those travelling should check with foreign embassies here on their countries’ requirements during this pandemic,” he said, adding that foreigners would not know what MySejahtera was.

Universiti Putra Malaysia medical epidemiologist Assoc Prof Dr Malina Osman said there should be a universally recognised vaccine certificate that could be used globally. However, Dr Malina said it could take time for such a certificate to be endorsed under the International Health Regulations during this pandemic period.

“I think regional or international collaboration should be in place to avoid any technical glitches or issues among the public,” she said.