THE Health Ministry could shorten the mandatory 14-day quarantine period after a strict risk assessment, said director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

His comments follow yesterday’s furore in the Dewan Rakyat over allegations Keningau MP Jeffrey Kitingan had broken quarantine to attend the sitting.

Noor Hisham said those who sought to end their quarantine early would be thoroughly assessed by medical officers before they are released.

“The quarantine period is 14 days but if one applies to have the order shortened, a committee will look into it and will decide if the period can be reduced,” he said.

“We will give due consideration (to the application). There are cases where on the 13th day, some have to undergo an exam or have important appointments.

“We will carry out screening then.”

Noor Hisham said the screening which was normally due on the 13th day could be done a few days early.

Kitingan in a statement released last night said he had received clearance for early release from the Health Ministry under the provisions of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.

The Sabah deputy chief minister said the clearance letter, dated Monday, was signed by a medical officer from the Lembah Pantai health office.

“Any self-quarantined individuals may request for early release, subject to approval from the Health Ministry and after undergoing the required health screening.

“Therefore there is no issue of non-compliance nor is there an issue of double standards as the early release was not political,” he said. – November 25, 2020.