TRAVELLERS arriving from Bangladesh Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will undergo a compulsory 21-day quarantine upon arrival, said Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

The health director-general said this was to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 variant of concern (VOC) locally.

Travellers from these countries join those coming from India in the extended quarantine period.

“It is worth noting that the extension of this surveillance is very important to ensure that the transmission of the Covid-19 infection from abroad does not occur, especially those involving VOCs and Variant of Interest (VOI), where it can spread faster as well as (pose) a higher risk of death.

“Even this is practiced in other countries,” he said in a statement today.

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had first announced the extension of the quarantine period for travellers from these four countries on May 24.

At the time, he said it was due to the various VOC in those countries.

Noor Hisham reminded the public of the extension today.

Noor Hisham added that the SOP for international arrivals was subjected to risk assessment carried out from time to time.

Last month, the Health Ministry increased the quarantine period for travellers from India to 21 days, while maintaining 14 days for all other countries.

Noor Hisham said that all travellers must undertake RT-PCR tests three days before departure, and once upon arrival in Malaysia.

He added that for those undergoing 14 days of quarantine, the RT-PCR test will be conducted on the 10th day, while for those under the 21-day quarantine, the test will be carried out on the 18th day.

Noor Hisham also said that based on risk assessment, those undergoing 14 days of quarantine may have their duration extended by another seven days if deemed necessary.

Beside this, Noor Hisham said that the home surveillance committee has received a number of appeals regarding exemptions or the shortening of quarantine periods.

However, he said that the implementation must be taken seriously if the nation is to reduce the risk of transmission.

“The ministry of health understands the variety of personal situations one faces, yet, at the same time, the ministry needs to stay serious in the implementation of the quarantine policy to ensure that the Covid-19 infection from abroad can be minimised.

“Any applications and appeals must go through a strict evaluation process,” he said. – June 24, 2021.