Government Deliberating On Easing Restrictions In States Under Phase 1

Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has said that the government is considering easing restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals living in states under Phase One of the NRP. 

When Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced that there would be some conditional flexibilities under the current Movement Control Order for individuals who have completed two doses of vaccine in states under Phase Two, it was met by uproar by those who are still in states under Phase One.

Well, according to our Minister of Foreign Affairs, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, the government is considering easing restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals living in states under Phase One of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

According to TheStar, he said the government was still getting input and feedback from experts as the move to ease restrictions was being considered for the sake of mental health in non-high-risk areas.

“We are also looking even for Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Negri Sembilan that are currently in Phase One,” he said during a virtual press conference.

“Even if we are still stuck in Phase One, we can look at some safe activities like going to the park, open air pasar malam...these are the things being considered, but I cannot announce it yet because I will need feedback from experts,” he said. 

He added that it was also vital to note that the healthcare system is currently strained, especially in the greater Klang Valley in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, due to the high number of COVID-19 cases, so the easing would have to be heavily deliberated.

Here is a brief reminder of what is permitted for the fully vaccinated in states under Phase One and Two.

Phase 1 (By State)

• Citizens and non-citizens who have a residence in Malaysia are allowed compulsory quarantine at home if they return to Malaysia from abroad (14 days – must have a residence in Malaysia).
• Long-distance married couples are allowed to travel across districts or states to meet.
• Parents are also allowed across districts or states to meet with children under the age of 18.
• Prayer activities are allowed in mosques and suraus – applicable to all phases of NRP, pilgrims are required to show a digital certificate of COVID-19 vaccine.
• Non-Muslims can also visit houses of worship - subject to state religious authorities and the Ministry of National Unity for non-Muslims.

Phase 2 (By State)

• Interdistrict travel is allowed, just show the vaccine certificate at the SJR.
• Dine-in activities are allowed at restaurants and eateries.
• Sports and recreational activities without physical contact and not in groups are allowed - jogging, exercise, cycling, skateboarding, archery, tennis, badminton (singles), and the like.
• Domestic tourism activities – hotel and homestays allowed.

The easing of restrictions officially commenced on the 10th of August 2021, and the National Security Council will release further guidelines of current travel allocations in due course.