If you've been longing to balik kampung to visit your parents, hang in there; we're approaching the light at the end of the tunnel.

Just be patient

The Health Ministry is reportedly finalising the standard operating procedures (SOPs) involving interstate travel, its Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said on Friday (3 September).

Khairy was quoted by Sinar Harian as saying that the Ministry is working out the finer details before presenting the plan to the National Security Council (MKN).

Hence, he has urged Malaysians to be patient and give them some time for now.

Just hang in there a while more, yeah?
"There is hope (for interstate travel), but I only ask for people to be patient for a while.

"It’s all there, just give us a bit more time. You all know that opening just like that is asking for trouble," he was quoted as saying.

The government justified that interstate travel was banned because it is one of the main reasons behind the spread of the virus.

The ban came into effect in May, when the full movement control order (FMCO) was announced.

Vaccination rates still low

Eventhough the vaccination rates in the country have been impressive -- currently, 56.6 per cent of the adult population has been vaccinated, according to Reuters -- there are still states where the rates are still slow.

Opening them up for interstate travel would be disastrous, Khairy said.

Wait for more Malaysians to be vaccinated first.
"There are some states where the vaccination rates are still low.

"By the end of September, all states will have fully vaccinated 60 per cent of adults. So just a bit more time… just be patient," he was further quoted as saying.

As much as we want to go back home to see our family and loved ones, it is best to wait for now.

Hang in there, fellow Malaysians!