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PETALING JAYA (THE STAR / ASIA NEWS NETWORK) – International chambers of commerce have urged the government to reconsider the general entry ban for citizens of countries with more than 150,000 cases of Covid-19.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the European Union and Malaysia (Eurocham) said it hoped the Malaysian government could reconsider the latest policy as it could affect business operations.
“While it is understandable to take a cautious approach in the interest of public health, we must also consider that these measures may undermine the current efforts of the Malaysian government to drive economic recovery, as well as negatively affect future trade and investment projects.
“We hope the Malaysian government can reconsider the blanket ban and instead turn to a more specific approach to managing border movements, prioritizing business travel.
“Eurocham Malaysia looks forward to cooperating with the Malaysian government, seeking an open dialogue during these difficult times,” he said.
The US Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) also urged the government to reconsider the ban, saying it would affect companies’ operations in the country.
“The ban will affect, among others, expatriates with valid Malaysian work permits, such as Employment Passes (EP) and Professional Visitor Passes (PVP)
“Within our membership, these categories would severely impact the immediate operations of some of the largest investors in the country.
“This ban will result in the immediate loss of millions of dollars both on a business and commercial level. Furthermore, without details on how long this ban will be in effect, it will have a long-term impact on Malaysia as a reliable place to do business.
“The chamber understands the need to impose travel restrictions to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, but believes that there must be a carefully planned approach, with prior and clear notice to the public and the business community,” he said.
The ban, he added, will affect global decision-making personnel now in the country and will also affect the ability of companies that need the help of specialists to configure or certify equipment.
An official spokesperson for the British High Commission said the entry ban will not affect the long-standing bilateral trade relations the UK shares with Malaysia.
“We understand and respect the decision of the Malaysian government to impose a travel ban on citizens of countries with more than 150,000 cases of Covid.
“There are approximately 9,000 British residents in Malaysia and the decision will affect a small number of those who are captured outside Malaysia and seeking to return, or who wish to leave Malaysia for a short period and return.
“When the number of active Covid-19 cases decreases, we expect the Malaysian government to lift the travel ban for these groups,” he said.
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced on Thursday (September 3) that the government will impose an entry ban on citizens of countries with more than 150,000 Covid-19 cases.
The new policy, which will begin next Monday, will affect citizens of countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil and France, as well as three other countries previously announced: India, Indonesia and the Philippines.
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