[UPDATED] Ministry clarifies who can enter premises near HIDE hotspots

KUALA LUMPUR – The Health Ministry has issued a clarification over who is allowed into business premises near potential hotspots under the Covid-19 Hotspot Identification for Dynamic Engagement (HIDE) system.

After concerns were raised by some of the companies near Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC) and its Menara BRDB office annex, the ministry sent an email informing them that individuals categorised as “Low Risk” and “Casual Contact (with no symptoms)” under the MySejahtera app are allowed entry.

However, those who are listed as “Casual Contacts (with symptoms)”, “Close Contacts”, “Persons Under Surveillance (PUS)”, “Suspected Cases” and “Confirmed Cases” for Covid-19 will be barred.

Earlier, The Vibes had reported that the newly introduced HIDE system by the Health Ministry may have an unforeseen consequence as a result of its implementation – having a number of casual contacts barred from entering premises.

This morning, office workers at buildings annexed to HIDE-listed premises were barred from entering their workplace.

One such premises is Menara BRDB in Bangsar, where workers listed other than “low-risk” on their MySejahtera app were told that they could not enter their office.

One worker complained that, even though his app registered him only as a casual contact to a Covid-19 case, he was not allowed to enter as security was checking everyone’s MySejahtera status before going in.

“I think it’s because Bangsar Shopping Centre (annexed to the Menara BRDB office building) was listed under HIDE. Premises under HIDE must step up their standard operating procedures. So, this morning, when I tried to enter my office, I was stopped by the security guard and turned away.

“They checked my MySejahtera app after I scanned it and was told I couldn’t enter the building because I’m a casual contact. Previously, there had never been any issue, even when I was only a casual contact before this,” said the worker who requested anonymity.

The worker added that many of his colleagues who became casual contacts of a colleague who tested positive, were barred from entering Menara BRDB as well.

Security personnel told them that only those listed as low-risk are allowed in.

The building’s management had also issued a notice stating that only low-risk shoppers and patrons are allowed into their premises. – The Vibes, May 10, 2021

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