Is Malaysia open for tourists ?

yudirajput wrote:

Hey guys, hope all is well.

A quick question: Is Malaysia open for tourists ?

I found this link ( https://www.imi.gov.my/ ) that took me to this PDF page as below:

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/viewer.html?pdfurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.imi.gov.my%2Fportal2017%2Fimages%2Ffail_pengumuman%2F2022%2F2_Feb%2Fmerge_LITB_guideline_17022022.pdf&clen=354471&chunk=true

But looks like it is for LANGKAWI International Travel bubble.

I (Canadian) am planning to visit b/w May 29 to June 15, 2022. Of course, I have not booked flight tickets yet but willing to travel during this period of time and plan to visit KL & Penang so far.

Any inputs/advises will be highly appreciated !

Thanks,
Yudi

Hi there!  I just got back from Penang last night.  Technically, not opened fully yet without any restrictions.  I believe March 1 was a target date but due to still high numbers they had to push it back now.  You need to really stay on top of it as things change and honestly it was a nightmare for me to figure who or what to reference as the real, correct answer.  My MM2H agent was as helpful as possible with the entering and during process but the leaving process was fuzzy.

If it weren't for completing the MM2H process under the old rules and using my work's provided free sabbatical month benefit, I would not have gone to Malaysia, yet.  Here were my pain points:

1) Depending where you are and what companies charge for it, I needed to have the better PCR test done (not the cheaper antigen one) for preboarding.  It cost me $200, which I hear is cheaper than other places.  It is a total scam!!!  Now, that part may be loosening at some point.

2) I had to take another antigen test and pay for it when I arrived at the airport.  I was then wriststrapped and sent to luckily my designated Airbnb condo instead of where the govt assigned some folks for FIVE days of quarantining.  And that is the least number of days due to my full vaccinating.

3) On the 4th day if I remember correctly or actual 5th day, I had to go hunt down a clinic and get another antigen to hopefully get cleared.  Once done, I had to hunt down where the public (locals included) went to get their wriststraps cut off formally.  Talk about freedom!!!!!

4) One has to use the local contact tracing app to check in everywhere.  I get why it is needed, but it didn't update very fast with my US vaccination inputted information so I had to explain everywhere why the app says I am unvaccinated.  I ended up carrying a hardcopy of my vaccination record everywhere.

5) On the last few days, I couldn't reach anyone at the clinics to schedule a test for the return testing proof so I didn't really enjoy that last weekend since I was concerned.  One thing I was disappointed with bigtime with highly tauted Singapore Airlines is the non existence of a 1-800 phone line.  I wanted confirmation that the simple, cheaper, and quicker response antigen test was sufficient to enter the US per Singapore Airlines' rules.  Well, their online info was general.  Yes, the US travel advisement says either one now is acceptable but the guidelines do say check with your airline as it may be more strict.  Well, Singapore Airlines has no hotline!!!!  They want you to email them if you have a flight within 72 hours, well, no one contacted me.  I honestly just did the simple test and hoped for the best at check-in which luckily it was fine.  Oh, one has to also fill out an attestation form too.  Well, I had no printer at the condo.  Fortunately, the banker who did my fixed deposit account was willing to print it out for me.

Sorry for the long post, but my point is, don't go to Malaysia yet until (A) the numbers are way down and (B) the requirements are relaxed substantially.  That would be my $0.02.....

oh gooness me, i am due to travel for holiday to KL but after reading this i am wary of buying my ticket.  And all this checking an costing money.  I may now have to cancel and be a dissapointment.  so has there been a flare up again of covid for all this happening?  I will def keep my eyes open now on these pages.  i wanted to book for july.   boo hoo. lyn

looloo17 wrote:

oh gooness me, i am due to travel for holiday to KL but after reading this i am wary of buying my ticket.  And all this checking an costing money.  I may now have to cancel and be a dissapointment.  so has there been a flare up again of covid for all this happening?  I will def keep my eyes open now on these pages.  i wanted to book for july.   boo hoo. lyn

Keep your eyes on the number of covid cases and what the travel advisories suggest, as opposed to, when the government opens it up (now supposedly April 1).  If the travel is not urgent, I would simply wait.

thank you. if i had not seen this original post i would have bought ticket and probably not have gotten a refund had i been prevented from travelling.    loo

VWC wrote:

yudirajput wrote:

Hey guys, hope all is well.

A quick question: Is Malaysia open for tourists ?

I found this link ( https://www.imi.gov.my/ ) that took me to this PDF page as below:

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/viewer.html?pdfurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.imi.gov.my%2Fportal2017%2Fimages%2Ffail_pengumuman%2F2022%2F2_Feb%2Fmerge_LITB_guideline_17022022.pdf&clen=354471&chunk=true

But looks like it is for LANGKAWI International Travel bubble.

I (Canadian) am planning to visit b/w May 29 to June 15, 2022. Of course, I have not booked flight tickets yet but willing to travel during this period of time and plan to visit KL & Penang so far.

Any inputs/advises will be highly appreciated !

Thanks,
Yudi

Hi there!  I just got back from Penang last night.  Technically, not opened fully yet without any restrictions.  I believe March 1 was a target date but due to still high numbers they had to push it back now.  You need to really stay on top of it as things change and honestly it was a nightmare for me to figure who or what to reference as the real, correct answer.  My MM2H agent was as helpful as possible with the entering and during process but the leaving process was fuzzy.

If it weren't for completing the MM2H process under the old rules and using my work's provided free sabbatical month benefit, I would not have gone to Malaysia, yet.  Here were my pain points:

1) Depending where you are and what companies charge for it, I needed to have the better PCR test done (not the cheaper antigen one) for preboarding.  It cost me $200, which I hear is cheaper than other places.  It is a total scam!!!  Now, that part may be loosening at some point.

2) I had to take another antigen test and pay for it when I arrived at the airport.  I was then wriststrapped and sent to luckily my designated Airbnb condo instead of where the govt assigned some folks for FIVE days of quarantining.  And that is the least number of days due to my full vaccinating.

3) On the 4th day if I remember correctly or actual 5th day, I had to go hunt down a clinic and get another antigen to hopefully get cleared.  Once done, I had to hunt down where the public (locals included) went to get their wriststraps cut off formally.  Talk about freedom!!!!!

4) One has to use the local contact tracing app to check in everywhere.  I get why it is needed, but it didn't update very fast with my US vaccination inputted information so I had to explain everywhere why the app says I am unvaccinated.  I ended up carrying a hardcopy of my vaccination record everywhere.

5) On the last few days, I couldn't reach anyone at the clinics to schedule a test for the return testing proof so I didn't really enjoy that last weekend since I was concerned.  One thing I was disappointed with bigtime with highly tauted Singapore Airlines is the non existence of a 1-800 phone line.  I wanted confirmation that the simple, cheaper, and quicker response antigen test was sufficient to enter the US per Singapore Airlines' rules.  Well, their online info was general.  Yes, the US travel advisement says either one now is acceptable but the guidelines do say check with your airline as it may be more strict.  Well, Singapore Airlines has no hotline!!!!  They want you to email them if you have a flight within 72 hours, well, no one contacted me.  I honestly just did the simple test and hoped for the best at check-in which luckily it was fine.  Oh, one has to also fill out an attestation form too.  Well, I had no printer at the condo.  Fortunately, the banker who did my fixed deposit account was willing to print it out for me.

Sorry for the long post, but my point is, don't go to Malaysia yet until (A) the numbers are way down and (B) the requirements are relaxed substantially.  That would be my $0.02.....

@VWC: Wow.. That was one hell of an experience. Now, I must re-think about traveling to Malaysia. I am not surprised by the covid test scams.

Do they still put you for a 5 day quarantine in the designated hotels by the government??

Thanks for the detailed update VWC.

This is really helpful for us.

Cheers,

looloo17 wrote:

oh gooness me, i am due to travel for holiday to KL but after reading this i am wary of buying my ticket.  And all this checking an costing money.  I may now have to cancel and be a dissapointment.  so has there been a flare up again of covid for all this happening?  I will def keep my eyes open now on these pages.  i wanted to book for july.   boo hoo. lyn

Exactly, I too have to cancel my trip for the coming June. It is disappointing for sure but "best is yet to come" - let's hope things get clearer with the upcoming days and restrictions loosen and traveling re-opens without any restrictions.

looloo17 wrote:

thank you. if i had not seen this original post i would have bought ticket and probably not have gotten a refund had i been prevented from travelling.    loo

I was going to buy our tickets too but the last moment I decided not to buy and I am glad to post my question here on this forum to seek advise and turned out that was the right decision not to buy tickets .

Many thanks to VWC for the important update and shared your experience.

Cheers,

All,

Please keep in mind that my travel to Penang was started in early February and lasted all the way to this past Monday.  I didn't mean to scare you guys off necessarily from your own travels but yes it was an ordeal that one probably wouldn't want to go through when say it is a true vacation (mine was more business related).  I mean, for sure, it seemed like things were improving as I was leaving as opposed to when I just got there. 

On the question about the govt provided housing, not sure about the quarantine time but one would think it would (or should) be the same (assuming you are fully vaccinated).  My agent had to advise me on my Airbnb selection because I guess one wants the residence to appear to be like a normal "home" address as opposed to say a true hotel setting (which my agent said the govt may not like and then make me stay in the govt required hotel). Gang, I am as cheap as anyone (so I DIY as much as possible) but paying my agent to handle the MM2H relatively smoothly through was the smartest thing I ever did.  Now, I am good for the extent of my passport for about 8 years (and hopefully same renewal terms after for another 10 years...).  Who knows what will happen after 8 years but I got the old MM2H requirements and that is all I care about.  Thank you, Alter Domus (in Penang)!!!! 

Guys, if you need an agent anyway (since you want hand holding) for the regular or Sarawak MM2H I highly recommend you use TG's company in Penang to navigate for you.  If you look into the company history, his father inlaw was a former Malaysia immigration officer so that has to help.  When I asked TG directly (over dim sum), he said his pricing scale is about average so not the lowest but not the highest either.  Fact, his company's MM2H license number is literally #1.  For someone who paid a "reasonable" amount for the service, I'm happy.  Tell TG that Vance sent ya (as I did tell him, I want to be his unofficial rep in the SF/Bay Area of the US).

Quarantine free travel for fully vaccinated travellers is due to resume from April 1st

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles … -two-years

Fingers crossed!

Do note that it'll be Ramadan in April so this will affect the opening times/days of Malay businesses and restaurants.

Malaysia is not open for tourists travel yet, except the bubble you mentioned. Malaysia is open if you are vaccinated and have a long-term visa work permit MM2H pass. Even with that fully vaccinated people with a negative PCR test you may be quarantined for 5 days. Please go to Malaysian airlines  website for a list of all the requirements and it’s very clear

Good luck
Sindebad

Hey Sinedebad,

Are you actually in Johor right now or is that your planned spot for the future?

I live in Johor under MM2H pass, At this time I am in Turkey repairing my teeth and insert implants. I will be back to Johor next month and I have verified the re-entry requirements to Malaysia for me. PCR test and a possible 5 days Home quarantine since I am fully vaccinated and boosted.

Sindebad wrote:

I live in Johor under MM2H pass, At this time I am in Turkey repairing my teeth and insert implants. I will be back to Johor next month and I have verified the re-entry requirements to Malaysia for me. PCR test and a possible 5 days Home quarantine since I am fully vaccinated and boosted.

Wow, that 5 days quarantine after PCR test was required of me when I went to Malaysia in early February.  I thought (assuming goes as planned for 4/1) that no quarantining needed for fully vaccinated folks?

Anyways, Sindebad, tell me what you know about Pontian.  I understand some bridge that connects Pontian to JB is about done soon which will cut the travel time dramatically.  With that I am thinking Pontian may be ripe for investing in some land for a custom home build.  I loved Penang but my wife whose family is in JB may not sign off......

Yes but you need pre departure testing and upon arrival testing. So if you buy your tickets and what happen if you are any of your family members tested positive 2 days before your departure? You cannot fly and may waste the tickets or incurred penalty or waste your hotel bookings etc because you cannot fly. What if you or a member of your family tested positive upon arrival??? All your family members must isolate in a Covid Hotel or Covid Centre.

Is it worth the risk??? We have asked our government to cancelled all these pre departure and upon arrival testing like what Europe do but to no avail.

So travel at your own risk

Jerry

YES they do.....or Covid Centre

Yes but you need pre departure testing and upon arrival testing. So if you buy your tickets and what happen if you are any of your family members tested positive 2 days before your departure? You cannot fly and may waste the tickets or incurred penalty or waste your hotel bookings etc because you cannot fly. What if you or a member of your family tested positive upon arrival??? All your family members must isolate in a Covid Hotel or Covid Centre.

Is it worth the risk??? We have asked our government to cancelled all these pre departure and upon arrival testing like what Europe do but to no avail.

So travel at your own risk and those testing cost is "unusually" high

Jerry

Yes but you need pre departure testing and upon arrival testing. So if you buy your tickets and what happen if you are any of your family members tested positive 2 days before your departure? You cannot fly and may waste the tickets or incurred penalty or waste your hotel bookings etc because you cannot fly. What if you or a member of your family tested positive upon arrival??? All your family members must isolate in a Covid Hotel or Covid Centre.

Is it worth the risk??? We have asked our government to cancelled all these pre departure and upon arrival testing like what Europe do but to no avail.

So travel at your own risk ad at your own testing cost with is HIGH

Jerry

Yes quarantine free  and still need to guarantee if tested positive  and also  you need pre departure testing and upon arrival testing. So if you buy your tickets and what happen if you are any of your family members tested positive 2 days before your departure? You cannot fly and may waste the tickets or incurred penalty or waste your hotel bookings etc because you cannot fly. What if you or a member of your family tested positive upon arrival??? All your family members must isolate in a Covid Hotel or Covid Centre.

Is it worth the risk??? We have asked our government to cancelled all these pre departure and upon arrival testing like what Europe do but to no avail.

So travel at your own risk and those testing cost is way too high.......

Jerry