Covid-19 screening at KL airports get a boost
KUALA LUMPUR: More staff and equipment for Covid-19 testing will be sent to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and KLIA2 to reduce congestion involving returnees from Sabah, says the Health Ministry.
The ministry in a tweet said that its minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba had directed the Selangor Health Department to take action following public complaints about the congestion.
“The issue will be resolved soon with additional staff and equipment,” he said.
On Saturday, it was announced individuals returning from Sabah between Sept 27 and Oct 10 would be subjected to compulsory Covid19 inspection upon arrival at entry points in the peninsula and Sarawak.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah and Dr Adham were at the KLIA to observe the Covid-19 screening yesterday.
The process to screen those returning from Sabah would take between 10 and 15 minutes per person to complete, said Dr Noor Hisham.
“The medical personnel will question passengers to get more information on their health status and movement activities while in Sabah. Then they will undergo both nose and throat swabs.
“After this is done, we will put the wristband on and explain to them what needs to be done,” he said.
Dr Noor Hisham noted at least two hours were needed to clear passengers from one plane, adding that some 400 medical staff had been sent to work at the airport.
Malaysia Airports in a tweet extended its gratitude to Dr Adham and Dr Noor Hisham for the dedication and commitment of ministry staff in ensuring all safety measures and screening procedures were carried out smoothly. — Bernama