KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will move into the endemic phase once the country is able to manage several unexpected incidents in the country.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said they included the recent massive floods affecting several states in the country as well as the spread of Covid-19 Omicron variant among Umrah pilgrims who returned home.
There are 245 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in the country to date, he said.
"All states are now in Phase Four (of the National Recovery Plan) and my initial plan was to announce the transition (to endemic phase) early this year.
"But, we have decided to postpone it after considering the impact of the floods and (infections caused by) returnees from abroad, with special focus on Umrah pilgrims.
"Once we have successfully managed all these, we will announce the movement (to the endemic phase)," he said during a press conference at the Defence Ministry here today.
It was reported that Malaysia has been ranked 13th in the latest Nikkei Covid-19 Recovery Index as compared to the 115th rank last year, indicating that the country is closer to recovery with its low number of confirmed cases, improved vaccination rates and less stringent social distancing measures.
With such ranking, Hishammuddin said it showed that the country was on the right track to move into the endemic phase.
Hishammuddin said the government had finalised the safety measures that would be introduced with the endemic phase, which among others would see a more standardised standard operating procedures (SOP).
During the endemic phase, he said Malaysians would have to abide by only one SOP, with seven advisories.
At the same time, the Sembrong Member of Parliament said the country would heighten its health alert system so that the relevant authorities would be able to act promptly should there be any Covid-19 outbreak in a certain locality.
"Next, there will be a national testing strategy. Just because we are going to be in the endemic phase, it doesn't mean we can stop the tests, especially now with the emergence of the Omicron variant.
"After that, there will be more measures on reopening the borders. As we know, we have started with the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL).
"Also, we will introduce community empowerment ambassadors, where we will encourage the public to be responsible for their own health and safety by adhering to the safety measures.
"These are already in place and ready for rollout once we announce the transition into the endemic phase."
On the VTL, Hishammuddin said aside from Singapore, the government was also planning to extend the privilege to other neighbouring countries such as Indonesia and Thailand, but this would depend on the country's Covid-19 situation.
He said the government did not rule out the possibility of taking stricter measures including restricting the movement of travellers from high risk countries.
"However, it is also important to emphasise that the approach of implementing a full-scale Movement Control Order (MCO) as before will not happen again."
On Thaipusam and Chinese New Year SOP, Hishammuddin said this would be announced soon by the relevant ministries after all safety measures have been finalised by the stakeholders.
Asked on fake vaccination certificates allegedly issued by health practitioners, Hishammuddin hoped that firm action would be taken against those involved.
"I take this seriously because it is an irresponsible act. Everyone has been working hard on creating the SOP and other safety measures, but some take this as an opportunity to reap profits.
"I can't accept this because it involves the safety of our own people. So let's get to the bottom of it and let the full force of law be taken against those involved so that they realise that making profits should never be at the expense of people's lives."