THE Health Ministry will bear the cost of Covid-19 tests for government teachers and lecturers working in Sabah and Sarawak returning to these states for work, said Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“They need to undergo a test three days before returning. In the case of Sarawak, they can also do a test upon arrival at Sarawak’s entry points,” he said at today’s briefing on Covid-19 movement restrictions.

“For those returning to Sarawak, they also need to undergo quarantine upon arrival at places designated by the state government,” the defence minister and National Security Council spokesman added.

While testing costs will be borne by the Health Ministry, quarantine costs in Sarawak will be borne by the state government.

These requirements apply to family members and dependents accompanying lecturers and teachers returning to the two states, Ismail Sabri said.

All educational institutions under the Education Ministry, as well as private educational institutions registered with the ministry, which includes international schools, are to be opened according to the 2021 academic calendar.

The school year will start on January 20 while SPM and STPM examinations will begin on February 22.

The Education Ministry said the calendar dates for public institutions can be found at www.moe.gov.my/takwim, while for private educational institutions, the dates are subject to their respective academic calendars. – January 8, 2021.