Looks like there is a conflicting statement made by the National Security Council Chairman and the Prime Minister with regards to border reopening. Chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the international borders will be reopened on 1 March but this was later rebutted by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri stating that it will need to be consulted with the Ministry of Health before any decision can be made.
With the country facing a severe rise in the case due to Omicron, all plans for border reopening will have to be put on hold. Tan Sri Muhyiddin has come out lashing saying that the reopening statement wasn’t made by himself on a personal level but with consultation from the rest of the NSC members including the Health Minister. He said when the Health Minister was asked about the possibility and if quarantine was compulsory, the reply was ‘no need’.
However, the Chairman maintains with this announcement made earlier that the borders can be reopened in March, he added t was important as it will help revive the country’s economy and especially the business and tourism sector.
Malaysia is currently seeing cases hitting an all-time high with 27,000 in a day, the Health Minister in a press conference has advised the people to stay at home and employers to practice Work From Home to prevent clusters. While the Government assures there will be no lockdown or border closures, there is a nervous approach to the restraint as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri will be tested on his claims.
As for the international borders, the matter said Tan Sri Muhyiddin has been left to the PM to decide.
