Yes to Asean 'travel bubbles' but strict SOPs must be in place

Malaysia must ensure that strict conditions are imposed on those wanting to fly into the country. -NSTP/MOHD FADLI HAMZAH

KUALA LUMPUR: The reduction of the Covid-19 infection rate in Malaysia has established credentials for it to open up its borders to Asean regional bloc members.

Malaysian Public Health Medicine Specialist Association president Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar foresees no problem for the country to implement "travel bubbles" between "green countries" especially in Asean region.

Malaysia, he said, could kick-start the move as soon as from mid-July.

The timing, however, could be adjusted depending on the ever evolving situation involving the coronavirus and in the event of a re-emergence of Covid-19 cases, he said.

Zainal said it should be limited to a few nations from the region, while ensuring strict Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures are in place, before expanding it to more Asean partners in stages.

"We have been waiting for too long (to open our borders). The current situation appears to be good. We have to take the opportunity to do so before (the possible total opening of borders) in August or September.

"We can do it with almost all Asean countries. For starters, the first line countries should comprise Brunei, Singapore, Vietnam and Laos, followed by the second line counterparts such as Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Myanmar.

"We can then welcome countries like Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. It should be a little later for Europe, United States and Middle East," Zainal told the New Straits Times today.

He also suggested a head start for the health and eco tourism sectors, high technology industries as well as conferences with less than 250 participants.

Zainal was commenting on Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's call for Asean governments to come up with cohesive plans to speedily implement measures for "travel bubbles' between "green Asean member states.

Muhyiddin made the proposal during the 36th Asean Summit which was held virtually and hosted by Vietnam yesterday.

The Prime Minister said the plan was crucial to shore up investments and create job opportunities for the people in the region.

Zainal said Malaysia must ensure that strict conditions are imposed on those wanting to fly into the country.

He said they must also furnish proof of pre-arranged travel journey and accommodation, valid medical insurance, pledge of cost liability to be borne by them if the need arises for prevention and control measures of Covid-19.

Another condition that can be imposed was on travel agencies, its agents and the sponsor of a traveller who must notify the health authorities should a positive Covid-19 case be detected during an event or during a journey.

"Malaysia must also ensure strict compliance of the SOPs amidst the influx of people to deter a spike of cases or the possibility of a new infection cluster.

"It would be crucial that pre-entry screenings and tests are conducted, the imposition of self quarantine, reminders to avoid crowded places and the practice of etiquettes," said Zainal.

Malaysian Medical Association president Dr N. Ganabaskaran cautioned Malaysia against being in a hurry to open up its borders for travellers.

Instead he proposed the government to implement the move in phases, as international travel still remained one of the biggest risks in battling Covid-19.

He said for safety purposes, travel should be limited within green Asean countries with proper SOPs enforced and fully adhered to.

Dr Ganabaskaran said this included the need for compliance of physical distancing, wearing of face masks, hand and respiratory hygiene throughout a travel and stay in Malaysia to avert the risk of importing or exporting the infection.

"We should take a gradual approach to opening up any international travel as a safety measure so that any eventuality can be well managed.

"For safety concern, we should only allow international travel among Asean countries that had been declared "green".

"Tourists or business travellers from these Asean destinations must also strictly adhere to SOPs while in any of the countries.

"Malaysians should also be responsible in extending similar cooperation when traveling to other 'green countries'," he said.

Dr Ganabaskaran said travelers should also declare necessary information for contact tracing purposes upon entering the country.

"There should also be high level of exchange of test results within countries for ease of travel. Tests should be recognised and accepted through Asean cooperation among the green countries to reduce congestion on arrival for 

seamless travel. But we should ensure the standards are the same," he said.

-nst online.