Covid-19: 14-day mandatory quarantine for returning Malaysians, foreign visitors starts tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 — Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob reiterated today that the compulsory 14-day quarantine order for all Malaysians and visitors returning from overseas starts tomorrow.
He said beginning April 3, all returning Malaysians or foreign visitors who enter the country will be subjected to the quarantine procedure at all entry points.
“They will be quarantined irrespective if they travelled by air, sea or land.
“It is not only at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), but at all entry points such as in Johor Baru in Johor (to the south), the northern states or every state including Sabah and Sarawak,” said Ismail Sabri.
He said this during the daily non-health press conference broadcasted “live” on television this afternoon.
Ismail Sabri said the government will provide buses to the returnees that will send them to the respective quarantine centres.
“Upon their arrival after the immigration counters, a bus will bring them straight to the quarantine centres.
“There will be a special task force at the quarantine centres to look after the welfare of the returnees where food and drinks will be provided for the 14-day duration,” said Ismail Sabri, adding that they will be screened according to the standard operating procedure (SOP) as set by the Health Ministry and National Security Council (NSC).
On Tuesday, Ismail Sabri announced that the new 14-day quarantine procedure will begin for any Malaysian returning from overseas regardless of whether their flight was a chartered or commercial one to prevent the risk of spreading Covid-19.
He said many countries experienced a surge in Covid-19 cases as their citizens abroad returned, including Wuhan in China, ground zero for the pandemic that was under control until their citizens started returning.
Previously, only those with Covid-19 symptoms were quarantined for 14 days at Health Ministry centres while others were asked to self-isolate at home, depending on their city of origin or health status.
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