Malaysia set to reopen international borders from March

Malaysia is looking to fully reopen its borders next month, in a potential boost to jet fuel demand.

A government advisory council in Malaysia has agreed to reopen the country to international travellers from as early as 1 March, without the need for a compulsory quarantine.

But visitors will still need to undergo Covid-19 tests before and after arriving in the country, said the council's chairman, former Malaysian prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin today.

More details of the reopening will be provided soon.

The country's international borders have been largely shut to travellers since the start of the pandemic, although it has also undertaken some travel initiatives such as a tourism bubble and travel lane with Singapore.

Malaysia is largely a net exporter of jet fuel, although it also imports the refined product. Latest GTT customs data showed that its imports of jet fuel in November had outpaced its exports at 71,900 b/d, with export volumes that month at 53,200 b/d, almost half of its volumes in October and September.

Malaysia is the latest country in southeast Asia that plans to ease border restrictions, after almost two years of strict travel rules.

Thailand has resumed its quarantine-free arrival programme for vaccinated visitors from this month, while the Philippines will reopen to vaccinated foreign tourists later this week.

By Cara Wong