The Malaysian government is looking into relaxing restrictions on travel and dine-ins at restaurants for those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Prime minister, Muhyiddin Yassin, said he had asked for these relaxations to be considered as part of the National Recovery Plan as the country takes steps towards returning to normality, The Star reported on Saturday.
However, it is still unknown whether relaxing restrictions on travel will mean that interstate and inter-district travel for leisure purposes will be allowed once again. The easing of restrictions will be decided at the National Recovery Council meeting this week.
On Saturday, Malaysia’s daily number of Covid-19-linked deaths rose to a record high of 138 from 115 the day before, with the country recording 12,528 new cases that day.
Nigel Wong, secretary-general at the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, said that should the government relax restrictions and allow travel for leisure purposes for those fully vaccinated, initial take-up will be slow given the high daily Covid-19 caseload. However, it might stimulate purchase of travel products for travel at a later date.
Adam Kamal, head of contracting & domestic market at ICE Holidays, said: “I don’t expect to see a demand for interstate travel for leisure purposes until all the (hotels and attractions) are open. Currently, all hotels in the country are closed for leisure purposes. Also, with the high number of Covid-19 cases, I don’t think people will feel safe to travel despite being fully vaccinated.”
He added that the relaxation may, however, trigger a demand for business travel purposes.
