KUALA LUMPUR – The new “strict guidelines” issued by Wisma Putra for travelling ministers have done little to quash public criticism over Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba’s directive reducing the 10-day quarantine period for cabinet members returning from official trips abroad.
The ministry shared on its Facebook page Wisma Putra’s 12-point guideline for ministers undertaking such visits.
They are:
- Travel must be for official visits
- Schedule must be tight
- A small delegation, which has undergone Covid-19 screening, accompanying the minister
- Asymptomatic
- Confirmed negative for Covid-19 48 hours before the flight
- Using private aircraft instead of commercial airlines to create a travel bubble
- Screened upon arrival at the airport
- Only Covid-19-negative individuals will be taken to the hotel
- No travelling allowed beyond official locations
- Must stay only in the hotel room
- Must wear masks during all official visits
- No handshakes, hugs or touching during the trip.
The guidelines lack specifics, particularly on the maximum number of delegates allowed, and what constitutes a “tight” schedule.
They also do not include Dr Adham’s directive on the reduced mandatory quarantine period from 10 days to just three.
The minister yesterday said cabinet members will be under “supervision” for three days before they are allowed back into the public.
The Perikatan Nasional administration has come under fire over its perceived double standards when it comes to enforcing Covid-19 standard operating procedures. – The Vibes, February 10, 2021
