MALAYSIANS returning from overseas from April 3 will be sent to Putrajaya’s Covid-19 quarantine centres for 14 days, said Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“As we want to stop this outbreak, the National Security Council (NSC) has decided that all those who return from overseas will be quarantined for 14 days in special quarantine centres. 

“They will be sent to the quarantine centres by bus when they land at airports. Once there, they will be screened by the Health Ministry,” the defence minister told reporters at NSC’s daily press briefing in Putrajaya today.

“We advise families not to go to the airport to meet them as they will be taken to the quarantine centres immediately,” he said.

He said this was being implemented as other countries were seeing an increase of Covid-19 cases from its citizens returning from abroad.

“Although Wuhan is under control, (China) is seeing more cases due to citizens returning to the country.

“We know many Malaysians are still stranded in other countries. And, while we have advised them to stay put, some still want to come back,” said Ismail Sabri.

He said the new protocol will begin on Friday as the government is still arranging for buses and preparing the quarantine centres.

Meanwhile, the government will begin tightening the movement control order (MCO) tomorrow.

“There were 742 arrests at roadblocks and patrols yesterday, compared with the earlier 848. A total of 165 were charged, with six receiving fines or jail terms.

“I hope this trend continues and number of arrests go down. People need to be aware that they need to follow instructions and orders,” Ismail Sabri said.

According to the defence minister, the police and army conducted 1,547 road blocks and inspected 383,488 cars yesterday. 

The joint operation also conducted 20,586 surprise checks.

“I hope everyone is aware that the MCO is serious and must be obeyed,” said Ismail Sabri. – March 31, 2020.