KUALA LUMPUR – Amidst confusion among travellers and those in the tourism sector, the Health Ministry (MoH) has made a U-turn by issuing a statement clarifying that only travellers from eight countries, and not 50, are listed in Langkawi no-entry list under the international travel bubble.
The eight countries are South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said this is in accordance with the latest directive from Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin during a press conference this morning.
“Travellers from countries other than the eight countries which have been temporarily barred are allowed to join the Langkawi travel bubble.
“Apart from the need to undergo Covid-19 tests using RT-PCR at least 72 hours before leaving for Malaysia and on the day of arrival, travellers in Langkawi will also need to undergo a Covid-19 test using RTK-Antigen on the third and fifth days after arrival.
“For travellers who have tested for Covid-19 in Langkawi on the day of arrival, they are allowed to stay at the hotel while waiting for the test results to avoid crowds at the Langkawi International Airport. They will also be placed under a home surveillance order,” Dr Noor Hisham said.
Yesterday, the ministry released a list of some 50 countries that were barred from participating in the Langkawi travel bubble.
However, in a press conference today, Khairy corrected a journalist who quoted MoH’s website, which had 24 countries barred from entering Malaysia.
“Based on the countries we have listed, only travellers from the eight countries we have listed are not allowed entry to Langkawi,” the Rembau MP said.
Meanwhile, Dr Noor Hisham said travellers from countries other than the eight barred countries are allowed to enter the country to travel to other states, except Langkawi.
“They will need to undergo mandatory quarantine, whereas the quarantine period would depend on their vaccination status – seven days for those who have been fully vaccinated and 10 days if they have not been fully inoculated or have not received their vaccination.”
He added that travellers who are not approved to undergo quarantine at home should make bookings at hotels which have been identified as quarantine stations through MyTravelSafe.
“Those who come from high-risk countries and are undergoing quarantine at home must wear digital tracking devices.
“The list of high-risk countries will be informed based on the risk assessment conducted from time to time and the list will be provided to the relevant international gateway for further action.
“They (travellers) need to undergo Covid-19 detection test using RT-PCR upon arrival and on the fifth day if they are quarantined for seven days or on the eighth day if they are quarantined for 10 days, while the risk assessment will be carried out on the seventh day or the 10th day before they are released,” he added. – The Vibes, December 3, 2021
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