No additional SOPs for interstate travel, says Khairy

There will be no additional SOPs for interstate travel once it is allowed, says Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

However, he said the existing SOPs will still be used, with the Op Patuh operation on compliance to be continued by the authorities, although no roadblocks will be mounted at state borders to check if members of the public have performed self-tests for Covid-19.

“How can we have roadblocks to check everyone who comes out, and if they are not vaccinated, we ask them to take a test? I think the people will be angrier if there is (traffic) congestion,” he said at a press conference after an official visit to Hospital Kuala Lumpur today.

He said the situation was not the same as the Langkawi tourism bubble as the number of people involved there is not as large as those involved in interstate activities throughout the country.

Khairy also said that his ministry had discussed with the domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry about further reducing the price of Covid-19 self-test kits, with an announcement on the matter to be made later.

He said a transition period would need to be factored in, to be fair to suppliers who have already purchased their stock.

“We will take into account some transition time so that suppliers who have already bought (their stock at previous prices) can sell them off first.

“Some (suppliers) felt that there was not enough time to clear their stock when we previously lowered the price. We are discussing the ceiling price with the domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry. Let’s be fair to both consumers and suppliers,” he said.

The ceiling price of Covid-19 self-test kits is currently set at RM16 for wholesale and RM19.90 for retail.

On individuals who have yet to receive a vaccination appointment, Khairy said a new feature would be introduced in the MySejahtera app where the public can book a date themselves.

Meanwhile, he said booster doses would not affect the status of those who are currently categorised as fully vaccinated.

He said taking a booster shot is not mandatory although it is highly recommended for fully vaccinated individuals, six months after their last dose.