The changes were confirmed on Tuesday (8 March) in a statement from prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, and will take effect from 1 April.

Visitors will have to provide evidence of a negative PCR test for Covid-19 taken up to 48 hours prior to departure, and submit to a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of their arrival.

Malaysia has long maintained some of the world’s strictest Covid travel curbs, which barred most overseas visitors and largely prevented citizens from leaving the country.

The move brings the country in-line with neighbouring Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia, which have lifted their quarantine requirements while retaining testing.

Yaakob said restrictions on business operating hours, gatherings, social distancing rules and interstate travel would also be eased, although face coverings will continue to be mandatory.

He added the announcement would boost the country’s economy and its tourism industry, which he said had been severely affected by the pandemic.

Daniel Bainbridge, Malaysia Airlines regional director UK and Europe, said: “We are thrilled to hear we now have an official date for the full reopening of Malaysia’s borders across all its destinations, which has been long-awaited by all."

Bainbridge added the airline had for some time been anticipating news on the country’s border and quarantine rules, and had increased flight capacity on connecting flights to the rest of southeast Asia and Australasia.