Transition to Endemic: What It Means for Businesses

Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, said Malaysia will enter the 'Transition to Endemic' phase on April 1 and reopen its borders.

According to him, the decision was reached after assessing a number of factors, including doing the necessary risk assessment, getting guidance from the Ministry of Health, and scrutinising the Quartet Ministers' suggestions.

"The 'Transition to Endemic' phase is an exit strategy that will allow all of us to return to virtually normal life after two years of struggling with COVID-19," he said at a special press conference held at Parliament.

He stated that the transition period is only temporary and that the country will eventually enter the endemic phase, pending the World Health Organisation's announcement (WHO).

Since the implementation of the Movement Control Order on March 18, 2020, Malaysia has closed its international borders to foreign travellers in order to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

As a result, Ismail Sabri stated that various decisions had been made that would take effect on April 1.

1. All individuals are still required to wear a face mask in public places.

2. There are no longer any restrictions on the number of hours a business can operate.

3. Check-in via MySejahtera is still required, with the exception of open and uncrowded places. MySJTrace is still required for indoor places full of guests and visitors.

4. Congregational prayers in mosques and surau, along with mass prayers in non-Muslim places of worship, are allowed without physical distancing. However, the state religious authority and the Ministry of National Unity/Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) shall decide on the implementation and final SOP for mosques and surau.

5. Requirement for vaccinations:

   1. There will be no more restrictions on worker capacity depending on vaccination status.

   2. Individuals of any age, regardless of immunisation status, are also permitted to travel interstate.

The government's announcement via social media.

"Owners of commercial premises have the freedom to operate during the hours specified in their licence."

"This means that you (the general public) can eat in restaurants after midnight, especially for your sahur (pre-dawn meal) during Ramadan," he explained.

The Prime Minister also stated that mass gatherings would no longer be limited to 50% capacity, but physical distancing is strongly urged.

At the same time, he extended gratitude to all Keluarga Malaysia members who have stayed strong, committed, and disciplined in adhering to the SOP while supporting the government's efforts to combat COVID-19.

"Without Keluarga Malaysia's backing, Malaysia will not be able to enter the Transition to Endemic Phase.

"I'd also like to congratulate all of the COVID-19 Quartet Ministers, led by Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, for their arduous efforts in guaranteeing the country's 'Reopening Safely' initiative's success," he added.

Source: BERNAMA