Interstate Travel In Malaysia: What's The Latest Update?

Malaysia has had a long history of imposing and lifting interstate travel restrictions since the COVID-19 pandemic began. As of 11 October 2021, interstate travel is allowed across the country. However, there are several requirements and restrictions in place for travellers to adhere to.

Interstate travel allowed for work, medical, and educational purposes

Interstate travel in Malaysia is a topic that has been subject to much discussion and some confusion in recent years, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of April 2021, interstate travel for work, medical, and educational purposes was permitted, but only from Monday to Thursday. This decision was made by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, as cases had been rising in the preceding days. Exceptions were made for emergency cases, deaths, and long-distance married couples. However, interstate travel for social events, such as weddings and gatherings, was strictly prohibited until after the Aidilfitri festive season.

Prior to this, in June 2020, interstate travel was allowed for married couples living apart in different states. This decision was made by the Senior Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, during a Special Ministers' Meeting after consulting with the police.

Later, in October 2021, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, announced that interstate travel would be allowed simultaneously across the entire country once the adult vaccination rate reached 90%. This decision was made to prevent negative consequences for states with lower vaccination rates. As of October 7, 2021, 89.1% of the population had been fully vaccinated with two doses, and it was expected that most states would soon achieve their highest percentage of vaccinations.

Finally, interstate travel restrictions were lifted on October 11, 2021, when the Prime Minister announced that 90% of the population in Malaysia had been fully vaccinated. This milestone prompted the resumption of both interstate and international travel. However, it is important to note that foreign tourists were still not allowed to enter Malaysia at that time, and entry was restricted to travellers with official, business, or emergency reasons.

Travel allowed for married couples

As of April 2021, interstate travel in Malaysia was only allowed for married couples from Monday to Thursday. This rule was enforced by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, who also stated that any interstate travel application would only be approved for emergency cases and deaths involving immediate family members.

However, by June 2020, interstate travel for married couples was allowed. This decision was made during a Special Ministers' Meeting after consulting the police.

In October 2021, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, announced that interstate travel would be allowed across the country as 90% of the population had been fully vaccinated. This decision was made simultaneously across the entire country to prevent negative effects on states with lower vaccination rates. It was also announced that the government did not plan to reimpose any interstate travel bans, even if COVID-19 cases increased.

As of October 2021, fully-vaccinated individuals and children aged 17 or younger are allowed to travel interstate. There are no longer any roadblocks to control interstate travel, but the police will randomly check to verify travellers' vaccination status.

No need for police permission

As of 11 October 2021, Malaysians no longer need to request police permission to travel between states. This came after the country's Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, announced that 90% of the population had been fully vaccinated.

The decision to lift the travel restriction between states simultaneously is due to the 90% requirement being an indicator that most states have or are expected to reach an adult vaccination rate of at least 80% or more.

However, it is important to note that only fully vaccinated individuals (and children aged 17 or younger) are allowed to travel interstate or enjoy interstate tourism. The police will randomly check to verify that those travelling interstate are fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals will be denied entry to many public places.

While there will be no roadblocks to control interstate travel, roadblocks will continue to be in place for crime and safety purposes.

In addition, travellers are not allowed to enter EMCO/PKPD areas and are strongly advised to test for COVID-19 before travelling, although this is not a requirement.

Only fully vaccinated individuals allowed

Interstate Travel in Malaysia: Only Fully Vaccinated Individuals Allowed

As of 11 October 2021, interstate travel is allowed in Malaysia, but only for fully vaccinated individuals. This means that anyone who has received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to travel is permitted to travel between states. Children aged 17 and under are also allowed to travel interstate, regardless of their vaccination status.

The Malaysian government's decision to lift interstate travel restrictions was based on achieving a 90% adult vaccination rate across the country. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that 90% of the population had been fully vaccinated, and that interstate travel would be allowed from 11 October 2021.

Interstate Travel Requirements

• No need to request police permission for interstate travel.
• No roadblocks to control travel, but there may be random police checks to verify vaccination status.
• Travellers are strongly advised to test for COVID-19 before travelling, but this is not a requirement.
• Travellers must comply with existing COVID-19 SOPs.
• Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals will be denied entry to many public places.

International Travel

In addition to interstate travel, international travel is also permitted for fully vaccinated individuals and children aged 17 and under. However, foreign tourists are not allowed to enter Malaysia. Only those entering for official, business, or emergency reasons are permitted.

In Malaysia, individuals are considered fully vaccinated after:

• More than 14 days after receiving both doses of the Pfizer, AstraZeneca, or Sinovac vaccine.
• More than 28 days after receiving a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson or Cansino vaccine.

Random police checks for vaccination verification

As of October 2021, interstate travel in Malaysia has been allowed for those who are fully vaccinated. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that interstate travel would resume when the country's adult vaccination rate (fully vaccinated with two doses) reached 90%.

With the lifting of interstate travel restrictions, the police will conduct random patrols and checks to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs). Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani stated that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will conduct random inspections in focus areas and end roadblocks at state borders. However, roadblocks will continue in areas under the Enhanced Movement Control Order, Op Benteng, and crime prevention and security operations.

• Police officers will conduct random checks to verify individuals' vaccination status and compliance with SOPs.
• Fully vaccinated individuals are allowed to travel interstate without obtaining prior police permission.
• Transport operators, including land, air, and sea, must ensure that all passengers are fully vaccinated.
• Unvaccinated children below 18 years old can travel if accompanied by a fully vaccinated parent or guardian.
• Individuals who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons may be exempted if they present a valid vaccine exemption certificate.
• Sarawak has its own entry requirements, while Sabah delayed the reopening of its borders for interstate tourism.
• Individuals planning interstate travel are encouraged to conduct a COVID-19 self-test to protect their relatives, especially the elderly.

It is important to note that these measures were announced in 2021, and the situation may have evolved since then. For the most up-to-date information, it is advisable to refer to official government sources and local authorities.

Frequently asked questions