Allow only full vaccinated Chinese tourist to enter the country, says MMA

SHAH ALAM - Allow only fully vaccinated Covid-19 tourists from China to enter the country, says the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).

The association urged the government to take all necessary precautions to prevent a surge of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia in a statement issued on Wednesday (Jan 4).

Its president, Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai, said that apart from current preventive measures, Malaysia should make it a requirement that only fully vaccinated travellers from China with a negative RT-PCR test result be allowed entry into Malaysia and, upon arrival at the entry point or within 24 hours, undergo professional RTK Antigen screening for Covid-19.

"The same should also be done for travellers from other countries experiencing a significant rise in cases of Covid-19," he added.

Dr Muruga also said that although the Health Ministry was taking safety precautions in case there was a surge, MMA believes more has to be done to stop imported Covid-19 cases.

"We are concerned that, with the shortages of manpower at our public healthcare facilities, the healthcare system can still be overwhelmed if cases requiring hospitalisation and intensive care unit (ICU) admission start to surge.

"Perhaps, as an additional precaution, the government can look at a gradual opening to visitors from China and relax restrictions when the COVID-19 situation there improves significantly."

With the large number of tourists from China anticipated, Malaysia will undoubtedly see economic growth from the tourism industry, but nevertheless, it will be imperative to maintain public health and safety as our top priorities.

Dr Muruga urged all Malaysians to take a booster shot when it’s time, wear face masks in crowded, enclosed settings, and keep a healthy lifestyle since it boosts resistance to infectious diseases.