<p>Malaysia will reopen its borders to international visitors by Jan. 1 at the latest, a government advisory council said on Thursday, as the country seeks to revive its ailing tourism sector.</p>.<p>The Southeast Asian country has gradually reopened its economy in recent weeks as coronavirus infection rates have slowed amid a ramped-up vaccination programme.</p>.<p>More than three-quarters of Malaysia's 32 million population are vaccinated, government statistics show.</p>.<p>Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who chairs a council tasked with spearheading Malaysia's economic recovery programme, told reporters the tourism industry was recovering too slowly without foreigners and noted that operators needed time to resume businesses.</p>.<p>Muhyiddin, however, said infection control measures such as Covid-19 tests will remain in place, with authorities to determine entry based on the Covid-19 situation in originating countries, and other factors.</p>.<p>He did not state when a firm date for reopening will be announced, but said the decision was still being detailed by health and security agencies.</p>.<p>Malaysia this week announced it would launch a vaccinated travel lane with neighbouring Singapore on Nov. 29, allowing quarantine-free travel for inoculated people between both countries.</p>.<p>It has also agreed with Indonesia to introduce a similar travel corridor on a gradual basis.</p>.<p><strong>Check out DH's latest videos:</strong></p>
<p>Malaysia will reopen its borders to international visitors by Jan. 1 at the latest, a government advisory council said on Thursday, as the country seeks to revive its ailing tourism sector.</p>.<p>The Southeast Asian country has gradually reopened its economy in recent weeks as coronavirus infection rates have slowed amid a ramped-up vaccination programme.</p>.<p>More than three-quarters of Malaysia's 32 million population are vaccinated, government statistics show.</p>.<p>Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who chairs a council tasked with spearheading Malaysia's economic recovery programme, told reporters the tourism industry was recovering too slowly without foreigners and noted that operators needed time to resume businesses.</p>.<p>Muhyiddin, however, said infection control measures such as Covid-19 tests will remain in place, with authorities to determine entry based on the Covid-19 situation in originating countries, and other factors.</p>.<p>He did not state when a firm date for reopening will be announced, but said the decision was still being detailed by health and security agencies.</p>.<p>Malaysia this week announced it would launch a vaccinated travel lane with neighbouring Singapore on Nov. 29, allowing quarantine-free travel for inoculated people between both countries.</p>.<p>It has also agreed with Indonesia to introduce a similar travel corridor on a gradual basis.</p>.<p><strong>Check out DH's latest videos:</strong></p>