PUTRAJAYA: United Kingdom and Malaysia today discussed matters related to the Covid-19 crisis and on the need for broader bilateral cooperation involving both nations to overcome the crisis together in light of the current global uncertainties.
This follows the meeting between Charles Hay, the British High Commissioner to Malaysia, with Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, here, today.
Hay said the High Commission had been closely following the development involving air travel ban as well as the Movement Control Order that had been enforced in Malaysia, following the spread of Covid-19 infection.
“As international travel becomes increasingly challenging, we are helping British travelers to return to the UK (United Kingdom), by providing relevant information to help them make decisions on their travel plans.
“We are also working with airlines to ensure there are commercial options for British travelers to fly home.
"I have also raised the issue of foreign nationals, including British, with work permit or long-term social visit pass who are stuck outside Malaysia and had been denied re-entry into Malaysia during this MCO period.
"I very much hope they will soon be able to return to their homes in Malaysia” he said following the meeting with the Prime Minister at his office, here, today.
Last year approximately 360,000 British tourists visited Malaysia, however the number has declined since the global Covid-19 crisis and many British travelers have since returned home after they were directed to by the UK Government.
At present there are approximately 8,000-10,000 British nationals residing in Malaysia, they include work permit holders and those who live in Malaysia under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme.
On the business sector, Hay said he was concerned over foreign companies and manufacturers operating under limited time or workforce caps, as the restriction may have an impact on their orders.
"This particularly is critical for those (involved) in the supply chain for essential medical equipment,” he said.
On the bilateral front, Hay said Britain is looking forward to setting up the Joint Committee on Trade and Investment Cooperation with Malaysia.
He said the move would strengthen both nation’s bilateral trade and investment.
"We too hope to pursue a Dialogue Partner status with ASEAN to take forward our partnership across a whole range of areas not limited to trade, investment and security” he said.
Hay was also pleased with Muhyiddin's concern for UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s health and conveyed his wishes. Johnson had been hospitalised for Covid-19 infection.
"I am also touched by the support and messages from senior Malaysian politicians and business leaders expressing their concern over his (Johnson’s) health. These are testaments of the strong bilateral and human relationship our two countries have." Hay said.