While everyone is waiting for the government to reopen the international borders which are expected to be commenced soon, the country has just agreed with neighbouring Thailand and Cambodia to introduce new air Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) which will begin on March 15, 2022, as part of joint efforts to reopen international borders.
The new air Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) involve Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia. Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said fully vaccinated travellers will be allowed to travel the designated routes without being required to quarantine upon arrival.
“These routes are expected to aid our mutual economic recovery from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in reviving the ailing tourism industry,” he said.
The Transport Minister further said that as for Thailand, designated airlines from both countries will be allowed to mount up to six flights daily on the Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok route and up to four flights daily for the Kuala Lumpur-Phuket route while additional routes may be added subject to mutual agreement by both countries.
On the other hand, for Cambodia, he said designated airlines from both countries will be allowed to operate up to two flights daily on the Kuala Lumpur-Phnom Penh route while additional routes may be added subject to market demand. These VTL routes will be served by all the three countries’ designated carriers under the VTL initiative.
Commenting on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Wee explained that the related SOPs and health protocols will be released by their respective agencies soon and travellers are expected to comply with the protocols responsibly in order to enjoy the VTL facility.
Furthermore, the government will continue discussions with neighbouring ASEAN countries on the safe reopening of additional routes in the future according to prevailing situations.
At present Malaysia has already implemented the air and land VTL initiative with Singapore, which has helped thousands reunite with their families as well as enabled business travel without the need to quarantine. The Malaysia-Brunei VTL is awaiting the SOP proposal.
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