KUALA LUMPUR: Interstate travel will be allowed for those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 starting tomorrow.
The much anticipated news was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob during a special press conference aired live on RTM, Bernama, TV9, TV AlHijrah and Astro Awani just now.
The decision to lift the restriction on interstate movement, said Ismail Sabri, was made after the vaccination coverage involving adult population in the country reached 90 per cent.
"Alhamdulillah, according the Health Ministry, the vaccination rate involving the adult population who have been fully vaccinated under the Covid-19 National Immunisation Programme (NIP) has reached 90 per cent.
"Nevertheless, the latest data on the vaccination rate will be updated on the ministry's CovidNow portal later at midnight.
"Therefore, as promised, I would like to announce that interstate movement is allowed starting tomorrow (Oct 11)," he said.
Ismail Sabri said interstate travel, however, was not allowed for localities placed under the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) even for those who have been fully inoculated.
He also stressed that those who have yet to complete their vaccination or refused to get vaccinated were not allowed to travel interstate.
With the restrictions on movement between states lifted, Ismail Sabri also announced that fully vaccinated people would be allowed to travel to any states in the country for tourism purposes.
"Although the government has decided to relax more restrictions, I hope the people will not let their guard down and continue to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP) which are still in place.
"The SOPs are the main factors that had helped the country to achieve the success (target in reducing the number of Covid-19) cases.
"I would like to also remind all that Act 342 (The Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988) is still being enforced and those who failed to comply with the SOP will be taken actions according to this Act," he said.
Ismail Sabri added that although there will be no more police roadblocks at the state borders, authorities may conduct random spot checks to ensure the vaccination status of the travellers.
"Op Benteng roadblocks however will remain to ensure safety of the country's border," he added.
Ismail Sabri also encouraged people who wished to travel interstate to undergo Covid-19 swab test first to protect their loved ones from the risk of being exposed to the virus.
"Although the government has no plans to make Covid-19 swab test compulsory for those who wished to travel interstate, they are encourage to do so.
"You must be responsible and take the necessary measures in order to protect your loved ones.
"Should you develop symptoms associated to the virus, please postpone your trip." he said.