Updated November 2026: this 2022 update is kept for reference and is no longer current. For travel today, see our Southeast Asia travel guide and Vietnam e-visa service, or ask our team.
Malaysian tourism businesses seek a definite timetable for the country’s border reopening, claiming that any further delay will result in a tremendous loss of revenue.
(VNA) – Kuala Lumpur, February 22 – Malaysian tourism businesses seek a definite timetable for the country’s border reopening, claiming that any further delay will result in a tremendous loss of revenue.
In a news conference, Uzaidi Udanis, president of the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association, agreed that the decision will take time, but expressed concern that the longer it takes, the greater the losses for tourism enterprises will be.
Local tour companies, according to Uzaidi, understand if the authorities do not plan to reopen the borders by March 1, but they should be given a rough schedule so they can plan for staff, tour guides, facilities, transportation, and marketing.
Cynthia Tan, vice president of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents abroad, echoed the sentiment, saying that if the border continues to be closed, the country’s tourism business will suffer.
According to her, the industry has been suffering for the past 24 months and needs cash and costs to survive.
Malaysia currently has stringent rules and regulations that must be followed upon arriving.
Malaysia’s Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, stated last week that the country’s borders could open in the second quarter of this year. Meanwhile, Muhyiddin Yassin, the chairperson of the National Recovery Council (NRC), stated the council advocated opening the crossings on March 1. The huge number of COVID-19 infections on a daily basis has compelled the authorities to thoroughly study the proposal. (VNA) – Kuala Lumpur, February 22 – Operators seek a definite date for the country’s border reopening, claiming that any further delay will result in a substantial loss of revenue for the business.
In a press conference, Uzaidi Udonis, head of the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association, admitted that the decision will take some time, but expressed concern that the longer it goes, the bigger the problem will become.
Zaidi said local tour operators understand if the authorities are not going to reopen the borders by March 1, but expect a tentative timeline so that they can prepare in terms of staff, tour guides, facilities, transportation, and marketing.
Echoing the view, vice president of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents outbound Cynthia Tan said the nation’s tourism industry might collapse if the border remains shut.
The industry has been suffering badly for 24 months, and needs funds and cost to sustain, according to her.
Currently, Malaysia requires hefty rules and regulations upon arrival
Last week, Malaysian Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin confirmed that the country could open its borders in the second quarter of this year. Meanwhile, National Recovery Council (NRC) chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin said the council proposed opening the borders on March 1. The high number of daily COVID-19 infections has forced the government to consider the proposal carefully.
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