KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia needs to find ways to reopen its tourism industry, albeit discerningly, following its success in controlling the spread of Covid-19.
A senior Asean diplomat, who declined to be named, said Malaysia's health and non-health measures, with the public's support and participation, had brought the number of cases down.
"But that comes with a price in terms of various degrees of the economic shutdown, with export and tourism taking a big hit.
"Now is the question of how, not if, to reopen the economy. Malaysia must open as its economy is fully integrated with external markets.
"Countries in the region must act fast and act together. A logical first step is to allow essential business travels, along with managed and selected tourist markets," he told The New Straits Times.
He said Malaysia and other Asean countries should capitalise on their high standard of healthcare and build confidence for businesses to get back into action.
"How we do this in the next 18 months will be crucial," he said in response to a call by Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to enhance 'Ops Benteng'.
The operation was to stop illegal immigrants from countries struggling with Covid-19 from entering Malaysia.
As of May 29, Singapore's cumulative positive cases stand at 33,249, the highest in Asean, with Indonesia at 24,538, the Philippines at 15,588, and Malaysia at 7,629.
Meanwhile, International Civil Aviation Organisation and International Maritime Organisation consultant Dr Matthew Yap said that aviation and land checkpoints traditionally have strong border controls.
"Under Singapore's circuit breaker and Malaysia's Movement Control Order, it is incumbent on the Home Ministry to increase checks and audits at marinas and yacht clubs to minimise human smuggling or cargo trafficking.
"With a gradual easing of air travel restrictions from June 1, as announced by both Hong Kong and Singapore, health experts say there is an increased need for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and serology tests to reduce community-spread from imported cases."
A senior Asean diplomat who declined to be named said taking enhanced steps to prevent illegal movement of people across borders is the right way to go.
"I am sure every country wants to keep its territory and its people safe and healthy to prevent pandemics like these from destroying its economy."
Another Asean ambassador supported the move by Malaysia, as both countries are near each other.
"What (negative) thing happens in one country can rapidly affect the other, given the labour movement between countries."
A defence and security expert commended Malaysia's initiatives as he views the pandemic akin to biological warfare.
"The Malaysian government should be lauded for its efforts thus far. But it should not let its guard down and allow Covid-19 to strike a second wave, via returning foreign migrant workers.
"Strict enforcement has to be carried out to contain them and prevent Covid-19 from escalating."
An enforcement agency senior officer said illegal immigrants have long been associated with health issues.
"The authorities must always keep their eyes and ears open in screening potential disease carriers."