The correct action is not to restrict foreign tourists, says health expert

Public Health and Epidemiology Specialist Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said implementation of stricter standard operating procedures (SOPs) were sufficient to curb the infection of Covid-19.

"I agree because the government doesn't want to discriminate any country and they also putting into place other initiatives by tightening existing controls and rules such as temperature scanners on tourists especially those from high-risk countries.

"It is a political statement because if the entry of Chinese tourists are not allowed, the country would most likely be angry with Malaysians regardless of what the Prime Minister is doing.

"However, the decision should be made with advice from the health ministry," " he said to Sinar on Wednesday.

He urged those who were worried about the entrance of foreign tourists to maintain SOPs.

"Individuals need to continue wearing face masks and take vaccines and booster doses," he said.