MALAYSIA has tightened its entry rules for overseas travellers to curb the spread of new Covid-19 variants, said Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The defence minister said among them are taking swab tests three days before travel, the quarantine period is extended from 10 days to 14 days and travellers must comply with standard operating procedures, laws and regulations set by the government. 

“They also need to take a second swab test on the 10th day of quarantine,” he said in a statement today.

He said this is prevent the spread of new variants by travellers who are returning from countries that have reported such Covid-19 cases.

He said based on a World Health Organization report, there are now three types of variant of concern (VOC) viruses, namely B.1.351, which was initially reported in South Africa, B.1.1.7 in the United Kingdom and B.1.1.28 or P1 in Brazil and Japan.

Ismail Sabri said many countries are reporting a new type of VOC virus. 

“Some of these variants have been detected in Malaysia, such as B.1.351,” he said.

“Looking at the situation of new types of VOC viruses in many foreign countries, it is feared that these variants may be brought in by travellers coming to Malaysia.”  

He said as a precautionary measure, the government has set a number of conditions for newly arrived travellers from countries that have the VOC viruses. – April 24, 2021.