KUALA LUMPUR MAY 24: The COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia and globally is at its critical stage when 50 percent of the transmission of Variant of Concern (VOC) has been affecting the community.
Senior and Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said, in view of the current COVID-19 situation, the National Security Council (MKN) in its special meeting today has decided to tighten the standard operating procedure (SOP) by extending the duration of the compulsory quarantine on travellers arriving Malaysia.
The SOP are as follows: 1) Travellers have to do RT-PCR COVID-19 tracing test three days before leaving for Malaysia and if the result is negative then permission is granted to board the plane to Malaysia. 2) Travellers have to undergo RT-PCR COVID-19 tracing test on arrival at the International Entry Point.
The Senior Minister added, the quarantine period for travellers from Malaysia and non-citizens from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan who are permitted to enter the country will be extended from 14 days to 21 days at the quarantine station fixed by the government.
However Ismail said, travellers who are Malaysian citizens and non-citizens that are given permission to enter will be quarantined for 21 days.
“The compulsory quarantine period for travellers from other countries will be extended from 10 days to 14 days at the quarantine station fixed by the government. The 14 days quarantine period will be extended to another seven days if there is a need based on the risk analysis that is carried out on the 14th day,” Ismail said in a statement here today.
He added, the repeat RT-PCR COVID-19 test will be carried out on the 10th day. If the quarantine period is extended until 21 days then the repeat RT-PCR COVID-19 test will be carried out on the 18th day.
Ismail said, the implementation of the SOP will start with immediate effect.
Regardingt the Task Force Compliance Operation, Ismail said, 800 individuals have been detained for not complying with the SOPs.
Among the non-compliance activities committed were, no physical distancing involving 248 individuals, failing to record personal details/registration when entering premises (219), not wearing mask (133), not adhering to the movement control directive (61), carrying more passengers (13) and others (126). – Malaysia World News
