PUTRAJAYA: Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to tourists from Malaysia beginning Aug 1 following the latter's improved vaccination rate.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri said the matter was an acknowledgment of Malaysia's healthcare system.
Zulkifli said the development was conveyed to him by Saudi ambassador Mahmoud Hussien Saeed Qattan during the visit to his office here today.
He said Malaysia was among 49 countries permitted by the Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes, including umrah.
Zulkifli said Mahmoud had informed him that although Malaysia had high Covid-19 cases, the country's vaccination rate had given Saudi Arabia the confidence to open its door to Malaysian tourists.
"Other than that, the effectiveness of vaccines (used in Malaysia) have been guaranteed, as 98.1 per cent of the cases were under Category 1 and 2 (asymptomatic and mild symptoms), while the 81.37 per cent of Covid-19 recovery rate proved Malaysia has a well-organised healthcare management system.
"At the moment, the government is still awaiting an official statement from Saudi Arabia's Hajj and Umrah Ministry in relation to umrah visa application for Malaysians," he said in a Facebook post.
Zulkifil also expressed his gratitude towards the donation of one million doses of Astra Zeneca vaccine and 4.5 million units of medical aid contributed by King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Crown Prince Muhammad Salman via King Salman Centre for Relief and Humanitarian Action (KSrelief).