Free stay at quarantine centres for low-income groups

Poor students, disabled and those in B40 bracket to be exempt from RM150 daily fees

KUALA LUMPUR: Poor students, members of low-income families and those with special needs will get free board and lodging when undergoing quarantine upon returning to Malaysia.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions) Datuk Seri Redzuan Yusof said the government will bear the expenses incurred at quarantine centres for those in the B40 category, poor students, and those with disabilities, but others will have to pay RM150 per day for their stay.

“Even private students from high income families will have to pay their own expenses,” he said in response to a supplementary question from

Steven Sim (DAP – Bukit Mertajam).

He said the government is doing its best not to incur additional expenses where possible but will give priority to those in need, adding that the Foreign Ministry will get relevant information to identify target groups needing help.

On the same matter, Senior Minister (Defence) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said returnees will be required to provide their personal details to the secretariat on arrival at the KL International Airport so that the information can be reviewed based on data from the Inland Revenue Board.

“Once (their financial status is) confirmed, those eligible for free lodging will be given forms to fill out for approval before submitting them to designated hotels or quarantine centres for room registration,” he said in a statement yesterday.

The cost is the same at both hotels and quarantine centres.

Ismail Sabri said individuals are sent to quarantine centres at public training institutes or hotels to undergo the 14-day compulsory isolation to prevent the risk of spreading Covid-19.

He said anyone who fails to pay within the stipulated time will be slapped with a RM1,000 compound fine, and legal action can be taken against them.

Previously, the government had allowed individuals who had returned from abroad to undergo self-isolation at home.

However, the decision was reversed after several people were caught in public places while still undergoing quarantine.

– BERNAMAPIX SIGNING UP ... Hostel supervisor Murni Leman (seated, left) assisting a student to register at Politeknik Port Dickson yesterday. The two-day registration exercise involved 1,300 students.