Another Tragic Raya? Will Interstate Travel Be Allowed?

Nurin Razmyn

Traditional practice of visiting family for Hari Raya was canceled when the crossing of border states was prohibited. Now as the ongoing pandemic continues, there is no telling whether Raya 2021 will return to normal or will we have another Hari Covid Raya 2.0

The government is set to announce whether the ability to travel through states is allowed.

Many Malaysians do not live in close proximity to their families or hometowns, sometimes having to travel around 9 hours to get to their village.

The last time the government allowed interstate traveling, it caused a surge in Covid-19 clusters.

According to The Star MY, there are 6 factors that will affect the government's decision to open interstate borders. These factors include;

1. The assessment of infectivity rates.

2. The current situation of the health workers.

3. Hospital capacity.

4. The infectivity trends.

5. The number of deaths.

6. The assessment of screening tests.

Many health activists are against the idea of interstate travel because they predict that there will be a surge in Covid-19 numbers again, and if the government continues to listen to the public another MCO may have to happen.

Many advise the government to not make the same mistakes as they did during Chinese New Year, which evidently saw a massive rise in infectivity rates just after the holiday.

Until now there is no confirmation whether interstate travel is allowed nor when the announcement is set to be made.

The government, now, may be less inclined to lift the travel ban and are set to announce the final decision after the Health Ministry sees what is fitting.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that the decision will be made public only when the time is right.