Malaysia will postpone the transition to the Covid-19 endemic phase due to Omicron fears

[ASEAN NOW Content Team]

 

Malaysia has opted to postpone the transition to the endemic phase because the recent emergence of the Covid-19 Omicron form has created too much uncertainty, according to Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

He stated that the Cabinet made this decision during a meeting of the Quartet Ministers on Tuesday (Nov 30).

"Most importantly, for the time being, the Quartet Meeting has decided to put a halt to our efforts to transition to the endemic stage until we learn more about the Omicron variety," Datuk Seri Hishammuddin said at a press conference in Parliament.

 

He stated the Omicron variant was discussed extensively during the previous conference, and that another wave of Covid-19 infections could jeopardise Malaysia's success in the epidemic.

"How are we meant to deal with Omicron if we don't keep a close eye on it?" he wondered.

Putrajaya is also keeping an eye on nations where Omicron has spread, he said, adding that the situation is still fluid.

 

However, he stated that the country's international tourist initiative in Langkawi will remain unchanged.

At the same time, he stated that internal travel issues were discussed with Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong and representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.

"After Langkawi, they were looking at other tourist hotspots," he added.

Mr Hishammuddin said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry will make a declaration with Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob soon about Langkawi's success.

 

Meanwhile, Mr Hishammuddin stated that the embargo on African countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe was based on health rather than geopolitics.

"I believe that these African governments recognise that the issue is not one of diplomacy or geopolitics, but rather one of health.
We don't want to jeopardise the progress we've made since 112 years ago by making rash judgments "Mr Hishammuddin stated.