[UPDATED] No more temperature scans to enter premises from Feb 11

KUALA LUMPUR – Effective February 11, temperature scans and record books will no longer be required before entering premises while umrah travel is allowed to resume today onwards.

The matter was confirmed by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein in a press conference after attending the quartet ministers meeting today.

“With this abolishment, premises owners are no longer required to prepare temperature screening tools and check-in record books. But guests are still required to check in using the MySejahtera application.”

However, Hishammuddin said the government encourages premises owners who still want to practice temperature checks and record books at their establishments to do so.

He also announced a series of new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for umrah travellers that will come into effect on February 14.

Among them are a compulsory booster dose and allowing pilgrims to quarantine at home without needing approvals (HQA).

Hishammuddin said this includes the requirement for the person-in-charge from travel agencies to monitor SOP compliance of pilgrims at the holy land, during their return to Malaysia, and at the country’s points of entry.

However, the pilgrims are still allowed to undergo quarantine at private stations with accommodation costs, food and beverage, and treatment to be borne by themselves.

“The government knows there are pilgrims who are departing for the holy land today. Therefore, those heading to Saudi Arabia today until February 13 are bound by the existing SOPs.

“However, when they return to the country, they must abide by the new SOPs,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the recommendation to fully reopen the country’s borders by March 1 needs to be studied by relevant ministries and government departments.

He added that current daily Covid-19 cases “do not affect the capacity of ICU beds at hospitals and the situation is under control”.

On January 20, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the ministry had agreed to do away with mandatory checks.

At the time, he said the matter would be decided during a National Security Council meeting, which included a review on SOPs relating to the National Recovery Plan. – The Vibes, February 8, 2022

Additional reporting by Lancelot Theseira