KUALA LUMPUR – With more than half of the world’s countries reporting Covid-19 cases involving variants of concern (VOCs), travellers to Malaysia must undergo RT-PCR tests three days before departure and at the port of entry.
In addition, the compulsory quarantine period has been extended to 21 days for travellers from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan.
They will have to undergo isolation at quarantine centres determined by Putrajaya.
For travellers from other countries, their quarantine period remains two weeks, but this is subject to a seven-day extension based on risk assessments carried out on the 14th day.
On day 10, travellers will have to undergo another RT-PCR test. If they test negative, they will be released from quarantine on day 14.
For those whose quarantine is extended, they will be tested on day 18, and upon getting a negative result, will be released on day 21.
Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah in a statement said the Home Surveillance Order Committee has received numerous appeals for quarantine exemptions.
“The Health Ministry understands the personal difficulties that some of them are facing. However, the ministry must remain serious in implementing the quarantine policy to curb the spread of Covid-19.
“All appeals will be rigidly assessed.”
Between June 20 and 22, another six VOC cases – five Beta (B.1.351) and one Delta (B.1.617.2) – were detected in Malaysia.
The country has seen a total of 173 VOC cases and 16 of variants of interest (VOI).
As of June 22, Selangor had a total of 53 VOC/VOI cases (5 imported), followed by Kelantan (24, all locals), Sarawak (20, with 1 imported), Kuala Lumpur (17, with 6 imported), Kedah (13, all locals) and Perak (12, all locals). – The Vibes, June 24, 2021
