IT is not mandatory for inbound travellers to take an RTK-Antigen test at the airport, said Malaysia Airports Holding Bhd (MAHB) today.

It said according to the latest standard operating procedure, travellers can take a professional RTK-Antigen test at any private health facility within 24 hours of arrival and submit the result via the MySejahtera app.

“There is no requirement for travellers to take the RTK-Antigen test on-site at the airport as claimed in some media reports,” it said in a statement today.

It was earlier reported that inbound travellers are unhappy at the steep prices of the professional RTK-Antigen tests at both KLIA and klia2.

There are several types of Covid-19 tests available at the airports, with the professional RTK-Antigen test costing RM100 for Malaysians and RM160 for foreigners.

The test costs almost twice as much than the one conducted at clinics.

Koperasi Persatuan Perubatan Malaysia Bhd last week said international travellers can pre-book their professional RTK-Antigen test online via this website.

President Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said about 2,000 private clinics are participating in the programme, adding that it will cost travellers RM70 per test.

From April 1, fully vaccinated inbound travellers must take a PCR test two days before departure and a professional RTK-Antigen test within 24 hours of arrival.

MAHB also denied that the on-site screening at the airport is monopolised by only one company.

There are four different healthcare facilities providing the services at four different airports, it added.

They are BP Clinical Lab Sdn Bhd (KLIA), Edgenta UEMS Sdn Bhd (Penang International Airport), MYEG Services Bhd (Kota Kinabalu International Airport) and Gribbles Pathology (M) Sdn Bhd (Kuching International Airport).

“The facilities are made available for passengers who wish to have the convenience of doing the test right away upon arrival,” said MAHB. – April 8, 2022.