ARRIVALS at the country’s airports are being screened for fever, said Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd (MAHB).

The airport operator said that the Health Ministry has placed thermal scanners at the airports to screen international arrivals. 

The response came after The Malaysian Insight reported that passengers returning from overseas were not subjected to temperature checks upon arrival.

MAHB said that passengers might not have been aware of the thermal scanners they passed through.

“Temperature screening for all international arrival passengers is done by the Health Department. It is done for all routes for international arrivals.

“This is still ongoing using a thermal scanner so passengers may not be aware as they are passing through the thermal scanner,” a MAHB official told The Malaysian Insight. 

Thermal scanners are used to detect higher than normal body temperatures. MAHB said arrivals with a fever will be isolated and taken to the Sungai Buloh Hospital. 

On the questionnaire that international passengers must fill out upon arrival, MAHB said it was introduced by the Immigration Department to enhance health safety.

“The questionnaire is an added safety measure put in place by the Immigration Department for all arriving passengers to declare the health status,” it said.

MAHB added that notices about thermal screening and self-quarantine were displayed in the KLIA and klia2 terminals.

Malaysia today reported 110 new cases of Covid-19 today, bringing the total to 900. There have been two deaths so far.

Twenty patients are in intensive care and on respiratory support. 

A movement control order is in effect, restricting all gatherings and people from leaving their homes except to buy food and supplies and for medical emergencies.

Under the order, which ends on March 31, Malaysians are banned from travelling during this period, and those returning must undergo health screenings and self-quarantine for 14 days.

Foreigners, except for diplomats, expatriates, permanent residents and those working in essential services, are not allowed to enter the country. – March 19, 2020.