“The government decided to delay the opening of interstate borders because some states still had low vaccination rates.
“If we had opened the borders earlier, it would have had an impact, especially in states with lower vaccination rates,” he told reporters after the soft launch of the Malaysian Family concept at Angkasapuri today.
“However, when we hit the 90% rate nationwide, that would mean on average each state will also have achieved at least 80% vaccination.”
He said a decision will be made on opening interstate borders in the next two to three days.
It had first been reported that interstate travel would be allowed when the vaccination rate hits 80%. However, that was raised to 90% later.
As of Oct 7, the special committee on Covid-19 vaccine supply (JKJAV) reported that 89.1% of the adult population had been fully vaccinated.
On Sept 22, the government announced that interstate travel and tourism activities would be allowed to resume once 90% of the adult population have been fully vaccinated, with SOPs in place.
At the soft launch, Ismail announced the formation of the Malaysian Family Squad that will coordinate mechanisms to ensure that aid is delivered to those in need across the whole country.
Stating that no one would be left behind, Ismail said the squad will be led by the social welfare department under the women, family and community development ministry.
It would be a collaboration of agencies under various ministries, the private sector, as well as several NGOs, he said.
“With today’s launch, we already have 10,000 people who are ready to be mobilised to every corner of the country to help those affected by the pandemic.
“This number is expected to increase when more ministries and agencies as well as volunteers register themselves,” he said in his speech.
He added that to ensure the success of the Malaysian Family concept, every ministry and agency will identify suitable ways to help the people.
“This is a step to inculcate a culture of service that is performance-oriented and will ease the burden of Malaysian families who need help and support,” he added.
Also at the event were members of the Cabinet and government officials.
He said the “Malaysian Family” was an inclusive concept that cuts across religious, ethnic and racial boundaries and invites Malaysians to come together as a unified family.
The official launch of Malaysian Family is scheduled to take place on Oct 22 in Kuching, Sarawak.