Cabinet to decide on entry of foreign travellers - Zaliha

Any decision related to the arrival of foreign travellers, especially from China, must be discussed comprehensively and decided at the cabinet level, said Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

“It will be a joint decision after taking into account views from the various ministries, not just from the Health Ministry, since this involves tourism and economic growth, as well as public safety,” she said.

Speaking at a press conference after visiting KLIA and klia2 today, Zaliha (above) said she had met Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim earlier for a briefing related to the issue of foreign travellers that will be raised in the cabinet meeting tomorrow.

“Tomorrow, we will present the facts that we have gathered and any related possibilities. God willing, we hope to come up with the best solution that is a balanced decision based on science and data as well as community perception,” she said.

The ongoing Covid-19 surge in China had prompted some to call for heightened border control measures such as stringent screening to be taken, especially for inbound travellers from China.

Zaliha said the arrival of foreign tourists at the two airports was being monitored without any discrimination so far and if they were found to be unwell, they would be sent to the nearest health facility.

She said she was satisfied with the Covid-19 prevention measures being implemented at the moment.

She advised Malaysians to take protective measures as recommended by the Health Ministry, which is to wear a face mask and to get a booster dose in addition to taking care of their health.

- Bernama

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