A.

‘TRANSITION TO ENDEMIC’ PHASE

1. In recent weeks, the number of daily cases of COVID-19 has increased

dramatically as a result of Omicron waves. However, the number categorized as
Category 3, 4 and 5 patients is very low at 0.7 percent. The number of COVID-19
patients who need to seek treatment and monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
is also under control at the moment at a rate of 42 percent use.

2. At the same time, most members of the Malaysian Family have received complete
vaccinations and booster doses through vaccination programs, especially the
National COVID-19 Immunization Program (PICK), PICK Adolescent and PICKids. As of
March 7, 2022, the complete vaccination rate for the adult population in the
country was 98.7 percent; while the booster dose vaccination rate for the adult
population was 64 percent.

3. Overall, the plan to reopen the country safely and in stages or ReopeningSafely
which is being undertaken by the Government, especially through the Quartet
Minister, namely the Senior Minister of Defense, YB Dato 'Seri Hishammuddin
Hussein; Minister of Health, YB Khairy Jamaluddin; Minister of Finance, YB Tengku
Zafrul; as well as the Minister of Communications and Multimedia, Tan Sri Annuar
Musa is still running smoothly.

4. In this regard, after taking into account various factors, conducting a risk
assessment, obtaining the views of the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) and
examining the recommendations from the Minister Quartet, today I would like to
announce that the country will enter the 'Transition to Endemic' Phase starting 1
April 2022 .

5. It is important for me to inform you, this ‘Transition to Endemic’ Phase is an

exit strategy to enable us all to return to a near-normal life after almost two
years of fighting with COVID-19. This phase is also a temporary phase before the
country moves into the Endemic Phase which is subject to announcements that can
only be made by the World Health Organization (WHO).

6. Starting April 1, 2022:

i. The wearing of face masks in public places is still mandatory for every
individual.
ii. Operating hours for business premises have been abolished. Premises owners
are allowed to perform the operating hours of their respective premises in
accordance with the conditions of the premises operating license. This means you
can all eat at the eatery after 12 midnight, especially with the month of Ramadan
arriving soon. Let's have sahur outside.
iii. Admission registration using MySejahtera is still mandatory and only
exempted for open areas, not crowded and no public gatherings. In addition,
MYSJTrace is required for indoor areas that are full of guests/visitors.
iv. Congregational prayer activities in mosques/suraus or prayer ceremonies in
houses of worship other than Islam can be performed without physical imprisonment.
However, the implementation and final SOP for mosques/suraus are subject to the
ruling of the State Religious Authority and for Non-Muslim Houses of Worship are
subject to the Ministry of Unity Malaysia/Other Religious Affairs Unit (UNIFOR).
v. Vaccination requirements:
 Employee capacity limits previously dependent on
vaccination coverage was abolished.
 All individuals are allowed across the state regardless
their vaccination status.

7. Previously, there was a 50 per cent capacity limit for activities involving
large groups. With the announcement of the transition to endemic, the limit will
be completely abolished. There is no longer a 50 percent capacity limit. However,
physical incarceration is very important and is still encouraged.

B. OPENING OF NATIONAL BORDERS

8. The ‘Transition to Endemic’ phase is the opening of national borders.
Therefore, in line with the plan to enter the Phase on April 1, 2022, the
Government has decided that the country's borders will also be reopened on April 1.

9. I believe, this is one of the big announcements most awaited by the people.
The announcement will also revive the country's economy as a whole, especially the
tourism industry, which has been severely affected by the pandemic.

10. This decision is made based on three basic factors:

a. First, it is based on the latest science and facts related to COVID-19
b. Second, compare border opening requirements in other countries
c. Third, provide comfort to travelers and do not complicate their journey. Most
importantly, Malaysia is now an open destination and accessible to all.

11. With the reopening of the country's borders, Malaysians with valid travel
documents can now enter and leave the country as usual and are allowed to go to any
country that also opens its border gates to foreign travelers. At the same time,
foreign nationals with valid travel documents can also move in and out of Malaysia
without having to apply for MyTravelPass which will be abolished. Instead, just
download and activate the MySejahtera application and complete the Pre-Departure
Form through the "Traveler" function in MySejahtera.

12. However, taking into account the situation of COVID-19 transmission,

especially the Omicron wave that is still plaguing our country and most countries
around the world, there are some procedures that must be followed either by
Malaysians themselves or foreign travelers who want to enter Malaysia.

13. For those who have received a complete vaccination, there is no need to
undergo any quarantine period and only need to go through the COVID-19 RT-PCR
detection test two days before departure and RTK-Ag test (professional) within 24
hours after arrival.

14. For other vaccination status such as not receiving vaccine for medical reasons
and not receiving any vaccination, Minister Health will detail its procedure for
public information tomorrow.

15. The relevant ministries will also issue a list of SOPs for the opening of the
country's borders in more detail in the near future, especially in relation to the
procedures at the International Gateway (PMA) on land and sea.

16. In the meantime, I would also like to inform that for countries that are still
closing their border gates, the people can still take advantage of the Vaccinated
Travel Lane (VTL) method that has been agreed by the Malaysian Government with the
countries involved.

17. As many are aware, for now VTL has been leveraging with Singapore since last
year. In the near future, as I announced recently, VTL will also be utilized to
implement inbound and outbound movements between Malaysia-Thailand, Malaysia-Brunei
and Malaysia-Indonesia.

18. It is hoped that the people who want to take advantage of the opening of the
country's borders can implement it in accordance with the guidelines set for the
safety of themselves, the people around and the country as a whole.

19. On behalf of the Government, I express my deepest appreciation to all members

of the Malaysian Family who are resilient, tenacious, strong-willed and disciplined
in complying with the SOPs and supporting every Government initiative in combating
COVID-19. Without the contribution of the Malaysian Family, the country will not
be able to move into the ‘Transition to Endemic’ Phase.

20. I also thank all the Ministers of the COVID-19 Quartet led by YB Dato 'Seri
Hishammuddin Hussein for their hard work to ensure that the country's efforts for
Reopening Safely, especially to move into the' Transition to Endemic 'Phase can be
implemented according to plan. Phase details
the transition to endemic and border opening will be informed by the quartet
ministers in the near future.

21. Not forgetting all the Ministers, Chief Ministers, Chief Ministers, and every
ministry who have played a very good role in the success of every Government
strategy to combat COVID-19.

#KeluargaMalaysia #BekerjaBersamaRakyat

YAB DATO ’SRI ISMAIL SABRI BIN YAAKOB

PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA

8 MARCH 2022