The government today lifted controversial travel restrictions imposed o­n visitors from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Canada in an attempt to halt the spread of the SARS virus, and eased curbs for those from China and Vietnam.

A statement issued by the office of Acting Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the government was encouraged by effective screening of both outgoing and incoming travelers in the countries affected by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.

"These screening processes have gone a long way in containing the spread of SARS...with immediate effect, Canada, Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan are now exempted from such restrictions," it said.