KG Baru residents have been told to quarantine themselves at home for 14 days after undergoing compulsory testing for Covid-19.

President of the Pewaris Kg Baru Group Association Mashuti Mat Soom, which represents residents and landowners, said the order was issued in a document to residents who underwent testing after their samples were taken. 

“I believe this will affect the majority of residents. I myself am under self-quarantine together with my family after we went for testing that day,” Mashuti told The Malaysian Insight.

Health authorities are currently carrying out testing in batches at the Malay settlement in Kuala Lumpur, following the death of one person who lived in the Kg Baru PKNS flats more than a week ago.

Kg Baru Malay Agricultural Settlement (MAS) honorary secretary Shamsuri Suradi said of the area’s seven villages, residents from two – Kg Atas A dan Kg Atas B, had undergone testing last week.

“Today, those from the five other villages were ordered to go for testing,” he said. 

The order to self-quarantine was issued under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988. 

It requires those who have been tested to isolate themselves from other family members, and also to record visits by anyone who comes to see them.

They must also wear face masks while at home and record their body temperature regularly.

The order also states the telephone numbers people can call if they need help or daily essentials while under quarantine.

They will only be released from quarantine on orders by health officials at the end of 14 days.

The first round of testing began last Sunday while the authorities enforced a partial lockdown around the PKNS apartment building, with all entrances blocked and people questioned at checkpoints.

About 1,000 residents of the flats have had their samples taken.

Kg Baru is in the heart of the capital and is near other areas currently under an enhanced movement-control order, such as the Selangor Mansion and Malayan Mansion buildings, and the Masjid India area. – April 20, 2020.