Malaysians keen on traveling to Langkawi island will have to show proof that they have tested negative for COVID-19 prior to their trip.
The restriction was announced just a day before the tourist island opens up to domestic tourists tomorrow as part of a project to gradually revive Malaysia’s tourism industry. According to Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, this would apply to test results produced 48 hours prior to boarding time.
“The government has decided to make it compulsory for all travelers who will be holidaying in Langkawi starting from Sept 16 to undergo a COVID-19 test before departure,” he said in a statement today.
“Those who test negative can continue traveling,” Khairy said.
Travelers can get tested at any healthcare facility or private COVID-19 labs, he added. They will be asked to show their negative test results before entering the airport or ferry terminals, and are also required to purchase self-testing kits at screening centers set up at the two locations.
Similar to Thailand’s “Phuket Sandbox” scheme of allowing travelers in without quarantine, Malaysia will reopen Langkawi to fully vaccinated domestic travelers from tomorrow as the country inches towards reopening.
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