Minister: Do not neglect 2nd screening for Covid-19

Covid-19 screening (for which they have to test negative),” he said in reply to a question on a Singaporean being refused entry into Malaysia recently after the latter did not undergo Covid-19 screening.

He said the government would review its entry criteria, but that it would depend on the outcome of bilateral discussions between the foreign ministries of both governments.

“This is because Singapore has yet to relax the restrictions on our citizens to enter the country.

“For example, there are 250,000 Malaysians who need to commute to Singapore for work.

“We are waiting for them (Singapore) to do so. We will ease the restrictions imposed on our citizens (in particular those working in Singapore) to enter Malaysia, which is subject to discussion between the foreign ministries.

“I hope there will be a reciprocal (decision) on allowing our citizens to enter the country (Singapore) like how we allow their citizens to come here.”

Ismail Sabri reminded all individuals who are supposed to undergo a second screening for Covid-19 to do so or have the police knock on their doors.

He said those who defied this rule could face action under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).

“We will send the police to find these 1,400 defiant people and ensure they undergo the second screening. (They have a choice) whether to wait for the police to come for them or go to the clinic for a second screening for (Covid19). They can also contact the Health Ministry and make arrangements for it.”

Ismail Sabri said 7,611 people arrived in the country via the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) between June 10 and June 30. Of the total, 7,575 people tested negative for the virus and were ordered to undergo mandatory home quarantine, while 36 tested positive and were sent to hospital for treatment.

“A total of 428 Malaysians returned to the country and arrived at KLIA and klia2 on June 30.

“All of them were ordered to undergo mandatory home quarantine.”

He said Malaysians had returned from China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Pakistan, Japan, Qatar and India.