Status quo for SOP, says minister

Out and about: Tourists walking around Chinatown at Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur. Over a million Chinese tourists are expected to visit Malaysia after China’s travel ban, in place since March 2020, is lifted today. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: It is neither appropriate nor effective for now to tighten standard operating procedures for the entry of travellers from other countries, including China, says the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.

Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said while public safety and health would remain a priority for the ministry, the entry of travellers is important to strike a balance between the people’s well-being and the country’s economic interests.