PUTRAJAYA should consider enforcing certain entry requirements for travellers from China as a temporary emergency measure against surging infections there, said Dr Kelvin Yii.

The Bandar Kuching MP said this is important to better protect Malaysians and prevent another crisis that may overwhelm our healthcare system. 

“We have seen how different countries including Japan, USA, Italy, South Korea, and India impose certain form of requirements for travellers from China, especially after the World Health Organisation said it was very concerned about rising reports of severe cases across China after the country largely abandoned its ‘zero-Covid’ policy,” he said in a statement. 

He said Putrajaya should also consider restrictions to prevent a rapid increase of infections in Malaysia while balancing economic needs and livelihoods, especially for essential travel. 

“These (restrictions) may be a requirement for travellers to be vaccinated (types of vaccine accepted has to be decided) and do Rt-PCR tests at least two days before travel. Upon arrival, we can do routine RTK-Ag testing and those who test positive will be quarantined for seven days at designated facilities and their samples will be used for genome (sequencing) analysis.

“Those intending to visit China must also be encouraged to get boosted (booster vaccines) and try to postpone any non-essential travel,” he said in the statement. 

On the local front, Yii said the government must further encourage the public to mask up, especially indoors and in highly congested areas. 

He said wearing face masks is essential as New Year events may lead to a spike in local cases. – December 29, 2022.