KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry has yet to receive a request from the Health Ministry to execute strict border control measures following the rise of Covid-19 cases.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said despite the leeway provided by Putrajaya through the recently announced visa liberalisation programme, the government will not compromise on the issue of safety.
"Formerly, Covid-19 did indeed originate from China. It was because of such restrictions that it happened. As for the current situation, before any policy is publicly announced regarding this matter, the Home Ministry will refer to the Health Ministry.
"Until the question was asked earlier, I have not received any updates, warnings, or precautionary measures from the Health Ministry. So, until the liberalisation programme takes place, it will proceed as planned, following our approach," he said after attending the Home Ministry monthly assembly earlier today.
The Health Ministry debunked that hospital beds were full and the death toll in cases of 'Brought In Dead' (BID) is increasing.
MoH affirms that there are no instances of full wards for the admission of Covid-19 patients, as claimed.
Commenting further on the visa liberalisation programme, Saifuddin said the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) would ensure that the government can keep track of the tourists presence in the country to ensure that they abide by the rules regulated under the programme.
"It allows us to track all the steps we take. However, the ultimate goal is to revitalise economic growth, especially in the tourism sector, which is the fastest when it comes to attracting visitors," he added.
Last week, it was reported that the Immigration Department will establish a special task force to monitor the departure of tourists from China and India, to be conducted on the last date of the 30-day permissible stay period in Malaysia.
Saifuddin said it was part of the government's efforts to strengthen security measures as the government prepares to launch activities under the visa liberalisation plan, with surveillance reports issued on a regular basis.