MALAYSIA is in discussion with six countries to loosen border controls as the Covid-19 pandemic shows signs of easing off in those nations, said Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

This, the director-general of health said, was to allow business, education and tourism sectors between Malaysia and the six countries to restart.

The countries are Singapore, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea.

Noor Hisham said they would need to discuss and finalise a mutual and reciprocal standard operating procedure (SOP) and agreements between the countries before allowing the borders to reopen. 

“We need to discuss the SOPs with the countries. It must be mutual and reciprocal so we can follow the same protocols on both sides,” he said at the Health Ministry briefing today.

Earlier today, Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Singapore and Brunei citizens will soon be allowed to enter Malaysia without undergoing health screenings.

The defence minister also hoped the two countries would return the favour by allowing Malaysians to enter their countries without Covid-19 tests.

Noor Hisham said borders controls are still tight but allowances are given to ambassadors and those under the Malaysian My Second Home programme. 

“Malaysians returning home will also have to be screened and quarantined,” he said.

On Singaporeans coming into Malaysia, Noor Hisham said those who have not travelled to other countries will be allowed in.

“Although Singapore has recorded a high number of positive Covid-19 cases, most of them are foreign workers. 

“Their cases are basically just like ours. The numbers are high because of foreign workers. 

“We will not allow foreign workers in, but we will allow Singaporeans who have not travelled to other countries,” he added. – June 19, 2020.