Covid-19: M’sia may not face new wave even with entry of China tourists

SHAH ALAM - Malaysia may not face a new Covid-19 wave if it allows the entry of China tourists for the purpose of travelling.

Former deputy health minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said the emergence of any new Covid-19 variants could happen in any country throughout the world and not only in China.

"If we worry about the emergence of a new variant, it could be in any area, not only from China, but other countries as well.

"I believe the arrival of visitors from China will not cause a significant increase in the number of Covid-19 cases.

"We do not need to prevent tourists from the country from entering Malaysia," he told Sinar Harian.

"Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association (Mita) is conservatively targeting about 300,000 tourists from China to the country next year following the relaxation of the quarantine protocols for travellers entering the country effective on Jan 8, 2023.

“The prediction worried many individuals with the possibility of a surge in new Covid-19 cases and deaths.

Lee said that even though the risk of a significant increase in Covid-19 cases due to Chinese tourists was low, individuals were advised to take their health care seriously and carry out their responsibilities to aid in preventing the spread of the pandemic in the country.

"Malaysians especially those who were high-risk individuals, should get a booster dose as a precaution towards preventing the spread of the pandemic," he explained.