Malaysia extends mandatory quarantine to 21 days for travellers from Bangladesh, 3 other countries

Malaysians and other travellers from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan who have been given permission to enter Malaysia will now have to undergo an extended mandatory quarantine period of 21 days.

This is an additional seven days from the current 14-day quarantine imposed on travellers from these countries, Malaysian newspaper The Star reported today.

Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said they are to be quarantined at government designated stations throughout the period.

"The extension in the number of days required for them to be quarantined is extended considering the Covid-19 situation worldwide where more than 50% of the nations are reporting the spread of variant of concern (VOC) within the community," he said today.

The National Security Council special (NSC) meeting, which had decided to tighten SOP for travellers, also said that travellers are to do RT-PCR Covid-19 test three days before they depart for Malaysia and that only those with negative results can board the flight.

All travellers are required to also do the RT-PCR test upon arrival at Malaysia's international entry points.

Ismail Sabri said the quarantine period for travellers from all other countries have also been extended from 10 days to 14, and they are to be placed at quarantine stations.

"The 14-day quarantine period will be extended for another seven days (bringing the quarantine days to 21) should there be a need for it. This will be based on a risk assessment carried out on the 14th day, " he said.

Health authorities will carry out a RT-PCR test on the 10th day of quarantine and if it is extended, another test will be carried out on the 18th day.

The new SOP will take effect immediately.