PUTRAJAYA:Malaysians receiving the COVID-19 vaccine will presumably have the advantage of travelling and vacationing abroad in the future.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said this is because it is possible that there are foreign countries that will set such a condition that only individuals who are vaccinated can enter their country.

Thus, Muhyiddin encouraged Malaysians to take the vaccine as it is provided free of charge by the government.

"For the long term, it will give an advantage to those who have received the injection (vaccine).

"I do not want to say it, but (the probability) in the future, for example to travel abroad, where almost all residents have received the vaccine, they will put some conditions such as a document (confirmation) proving you have received the vaccine if you want to travel to that country.

"If you do not receive the vaccine, of course it will be a hindrance and disrupt your travel planning. That will not give you an advantage," he told reporters, here today.

He said this in a press conference after the launch of the National COVID-19 Immunisation Program Handbook Ceremony at the Prime Minister's Office.

Also present were the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and the Coordinating Minister of the National COVID-19 Immunisation Program, Khairy Jamaluddin and the Minister of Health, Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.

According to the Prime Minister, the vaccination program is also expected to help redevelop the country's economy.

Earlier, Muhyiddin reminded Malaysians not to take lightly the National COVID-19 Immunisation Program which will start at the end of this month.