Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has announced the relaxation of restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals in Malaysia. Effective 10th August, fully vaccinated people will get to travel interdistrict, attend religious and outdoor sports activities. There is more freedom for states that have transitioned to at least Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
Definition of fully vaccinated
For those who have gotten two-dose vaccines such as AstraZeneca, Sinovac or Pfizer, an individual is only considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving their second dose. Meanwhile, for single-shot vaccines such as CanSino and Johnson & Johnson, an individual is only considered fully vaccinated 28 days after getting their vaccine jab.
Individuals must show their digital vaccine certificate as proof of completed vaccination. This can be found in the MySejahtera app under the My Profile page.
Reduced restrictions for fully vaccinated
The Prime Minister has announced that fully vaccinated Malaysians and permanent residents (including residents under MM2H) will be given the flexibility to undergo quarantine at home after returning from overseas. At the moment, all incoming travellers are required to undergo quarantine at designated hotels or quarantine centres.
Fully vaccinated long-distance couples will be allowed to cross state and district borders to visit each other. Meanwhile, fully vaccinated parents are also allowed to travel interstate and interdistrict to visit their children (aged below 18 years old).
Religious activities at mosque and suraus as well as other houses of worship are also permitted for people that have been fully vaccinated.
Relaxation of SOP for NRP Phase 2 and above
For states under the NRP’s Phase 2 and beyond, restaurants and food operators are allowed to accept dine-in customers. Besides fully vaccinated individuals, children will be allowed to dine in as well.
Restaurants and eateries are told to ensure sufficient space between tables for social distancing and they are also urged to improve air circulation at their premises. As part of the new SOP, all dine-in customers must present their MySejahtera digital vaccine certificate before entering.
The Prime Minister also revealed that several outdoor activities will be allowed for fully vaccinated individuals. This includes jogging, taichi, cycling, skateboarding, fishing, equestrian, archery, tennis, badminton, motoring, and more.
Tourism within the same state is also allowed for states under NRP Phase 2 and beyond. All operators including homestay owners must also check the digital vaccination certificate before allowing their customers or guests in.
Muhyiddin added that the full details of the loosened restrictions including new permitted economic sectors will be revealed by the National Security Council.
Which states are under Phase 2 and above?
At the moment, states under Phase 2 include Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Perak, Penang and Sabah. Phase 3 states include Perlis, Labuan and Sarawak. The states and territories of Kedah, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya are still under Phase 1.
Today, Malaysia has recorded 18,688 new COVID-19 cases bringing the total of infections to 1,262,540. While the total number of new cases is showing a downward trend, several Phase 2 states such as Sabah and Kelantan have reported over 800 new cases today. On top of that, both states have less than 20% of their population fully vaccinated.
Over 25% of Malaysia’s population have been vaccinated with two doses
As of 7th August, Malaysia has administered over 24 million vaccine doses. 15,536,215 individuals (over 47% of the population) have gotten at least one dose while 8,497,773 individuals (over 25% of the population) have completed their vaccinations with two doses. Malaysia aims to fully vaccinate 50% of its adult population by 31st August 2021.
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