THE government has agreed to allow travel agencies resume business under the conditional movement control order (CMCO) but only for planning and bookings, said senior minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“They can operate as usual. They can plan for future trips and promotions, but they can’t be taking their customers for trips yet,” he said at the daily briefing on Covid-19 security matters at Putrajaya today.

“As for now overseas trips are not allowed even under the CMCO.”

Ismail, who is also defence minister and National Security Council spokesman, said this decision is reached after the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry voiced the concerns from travel agents in a meeting this morning.

“After hearing the concerns from the ministry this morning, the cabinet decided to allow travel agencies to operate.”

Movement restrictions have been in place since March 18, including the border closures to international tourists.

Restrictions were eased for the economic under the CMCO on May 5, but borders remain closed.

The CMCO is in place until June 9.

Health Director-General Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said previously that even after the MCO ends, borders might be kept closed to prevent the import of new infections.

Currently, all Malaysians returning from abroad have to undergo mandatory quarantine at designated facilities for 14 days. – May 16, 2020.