Quarantine for Sabah MPs

Reps to self-isolate for 14 days before attending Parliament

PETALING JAYA: Sabah MPs are required to observe a 14-day self-quarantine before being allowed to attend the third meeting of the Dewan Rakyat beginning Nov 2.

They need to arrive in Kuala Lumpur by Oct 17 to enable them to attend Parliament, according to a letter signed by Dewan Rakyat secretary Nizam Mydin Bacha Mydin.

The letter also stated that all MPs arriving from Sabah will undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening at the airport and issued with a twoweek Home Surveillance Order (HSO) to be observed at their residence in Kuala Lumpur or at hotels approved by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).

“On the 13th day, a second RTK (rapid test kit) test must be conducted at any government health facility or private clinic, and a copy of the results must be saved.

“If the result is positive, the health facilities will refer the MP to hospital, and if negative, the MP needs to bring the results to the nearest health office in order to obtain a quarantine release order and for the surveillance bracelet to be removed,” Nizam stated.

Several Sabah lawmakers have confirmed receiving the letter.

The letter also stated that if the MPs concerned were to return to Sabah in between the parliamentary sitting and wished to return, they were required to undergo the same process again.

Sabah MPs from areas placed under enhanced or conditional movement control order (MCO) must obtain special permission to travel from the state’s Covid-19 disaster management committee.

“The order for quarantine will be subject to changes following the latest development as announced by the government.

“If there are any changes, those affected will be immediately notified,” Nizam added.

Sandakan MP Vivian Wong Shir Yee confirmed getting the letter and pledged to follow the SOP, saying: “We do not want to take any risks.”

The government announced that all interstate travel to and from Sabah will be barred from Oct 12 to 25.