The Malaysian Insight

DUE to the low number of Covid-19 infections detected among Malaysians returning from abroad, Putrajaya has allowed them to be quarantined at home, said Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

The director-general of health said this when asked on Putrajaya’s decision to no longer quarantine Malaysians returning from overseas at government facilities.

Of the 50,000 people who returned from abroad, only 554 or 1% of them tested positive, Noor Hisham said. A second test after quarantine two weeks later, showed 134 cases or 0.2% of total cases testing positive.

“The figures are low. When we take into consideration the costs of hotel quarantine, the costs are also extremely high, in view of the low infection rates.”

He said those who quarantine themselves at home are to be issued tracking wristbands and must use the MySejahtera phone app to record their movements.

Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced on Sunday that Malaysians returning home from overseas are no longer required to be quarantined for 14 days at designated facilities.

Returnees will be screened upon arrival at the airport, with those testing positive to be sent to hospital immediately.

Those who test negative can return home for self-quarantine.  

He said the wristband, which cannot be removed for two weeks, allows the authorities to identify those under home quarantine.

He added that those under self-quarantine caught leaving their homes will be fined or even charged.

As of June 7, there are 156 quarantine centres, with 14,665 individuals undergoing quarantine, Ismail Sabri said.

Since April 3, 50,873 Malaysians who arrived from abroad, have been quarantined. – June 9, 2020.