Excitement brews over VTL

PETALING JAYA: Travellers can look forward to visiting Thailand and Cambodia soon following an agreement to implement the air Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) facility that will begin by the middle of this month.

Malaysian Indian Tour and Travel Association deputy president Datuk Aruldass Arulandu said the opening of two more air VTL was an indication that more routes would be opening in the near future.

“We already have inquiries from our Bangkok office. I think many people have been eagerly waiting to travel for leisure and not just for business.

“This air VTL serves as a platform for more countries to join in and we welcome this initiative,” he said when contacted.

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president Datuk Tan Kok Liang also welcomed the move but added that more VTL initiatives should be opened in order to turn things around for the tourism industry.

“We need more routes opening for a higher impact.

“With a high vaccination rate, and with most sectors resuming business as borders reopen, we hope it would be a catalyst for other countries to open more VTL with Malaysia,” he said.

The air VTL for Thailand and Cambodia would allow fully-vaccinated travellers to travel on the designated routes without the need to be placed under quarantine upon arrival.

On Friday, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong also announced the air VTL for Penang-Singapore from March 16, which is an expansion of the initiative between the two neighbouring countries.

Sales marketing executive Neena Teo, 38, from Kota Damansara, said she was mulling over a trip to Bangkok when the VTL opens.

“I am super excited. This means the borders are slowly opening up, perhaps to other countries as well. I really can’t wait to travel again.

“But I will also check if the price of the air tickets is reasonable. I am afraid that it may be higher than usual because of the quota and limited flights,” she said.

Student Maizatul Ameera Abdul Manat, 18, from Taman Rasmi Jaya, said she was excited with the news because it meant that an actual travel plan could be made.

“The VTL is a good move for frequent travellers who have been waiting to explore the world.

“I am looking forward to travelling again soon,” she said.

Another student R. Sahatheyvan, 18, from Bandar Baru Ampang, said he would explore the travel bubble destinations once his SPM exams are over.

“Yes. I’m excited. The economy will pick up, providing job opportunities for youths.

“It’s a good move. I’ll make plans to travel after my final paper,” he said.