DESPITE the word being widely linked to the law, “quarantine” is not defined in the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342), the principal legislation governing the Covid-19 outbreak in the country.

Nor is the word defined in the regulations under the act, which currently is Regulation no. 7 2020 (as amended) due to end on August 31 and which should be replaced by Regulation no. 8 following the prime minister’s announcement that the recovery movement control order (RMCO) will be extended to December, 31.

Act 342 defines “quarantine station” and “isolation” but not, curiously, “quarantine” itself. Isolation is the separation of a person or group of persons from other persons in such a manner as to prevent the spread of infection, and includes the treatment of that person or group of persons. A quarantine station is a place where isolation is carried out.

Regulation no. 7 empowers an authorised person – any medical officer of health, health inspector, or officer appointed by the health minister – to direct any returnees to Malaysia to undergo home quarantine.

A purposive reading of the act and its regulations must mean that home quarantine is the isolation of the person so directed so as to separate that person from other persons in such a manner as to prevent the spread of infection.

A home quarantine order is to prevent the spread of imported Covid-19 cases.

In essence then, a home quarantine is a stay-home order. The person must remain in his or her place of residence at all times. This means the person must not go out even to purchase daily necessities. He or she must also not invite visitors to his or her residence.

In short, stay home at all times for 14 days.

The prohibition against leaving the residence is strict. A person who breaches such an order commits an offence. He or she does not just commit a mistake or an error in following the standard operating procedures as Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Khairuddin Aman Razali would like to think.

He or she commits an offence punishable under the law upon conviction.

Everyone, whether Makcik Kiah, Pak Salleh, Mr Tan or Mr Muthu , has a duty to prevent and control the spread of the coronavirus and not to endanger others and expose them to infection.

Especially if one is a minister who is sworn to uphold the law. It’s related to the job.

If one is a student who breaches a home quarantine order, he or she will face disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal. Similarly, so should one who a minister  appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the prime minister. – August 29, 2020.

* Hafiz Hassan reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.