Consider This: Covid-19 (Part 1) — Lifting Strict Border Controls?

Last week, National Recovery Council chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin recommended to the government to fully reopen Malaysia's international borders as early as next month, without the need for mandatory quarantine. However, the proposal has yet to be discussed or approved by Cabinet. Currently the only quarantine-free international travel allowed is at the Malaysia-Singapore border via the Vaccinated Travel Lane. What considerations should policymakers weigh when considering how and when to open borders? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Dr Jayant Menon, Senior Fellow, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.