EP1 category expats from Singapore, Brunei, Australia and NZ allowed in

The cabinet has approved the entry of foreign nationals under the Employment Pass 1 (EP1) category into Malaysia, if they are entering from Covid-19 green zone countries, namely Singapore, Brunei, Australia, and New Zealand.

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob (above) said that foreigners with EP1, under which applicants must earn a basic minimum monthly salary of RM 10,000 (USD2,500) and have an employment contract that is valid for a minimum of 12 months, are now allowed to enter Malaysia without having to seek the permission of the Immigration Department first.

"They will need to undergo a Covid-19 screening in their home country before
departing for Malaysia or undergo screening as soon as they arrive at the country's borders.

"Expat visa holders need not be quarantined if they are entering from those countries which are green zones - which we can name as Singapore, Brunei, New Zealand, and Australia," said Ismail in his briefing from Putrajaya today.

He also said that those coming in must download the MySejahtera application, adding that technical specialists were coming in for specialised work, like repairing machines or ships, that cannot be done by locals.

Ismail said their entry to the country would be allowed as long as their working period is limited, they did not mingle with others and work in small groups or in closed areas.

He said these specialists would need to apply for a professional visit pass through the expatriate service division online.

Ismail added that those in the EP2 and EP3 categories will have to wait before their categories are decided on.

Elsewhere, he announced that Malaysia was in discussions to open its borders with Singapore and Brunei.

"We are opening our borders to Singapore and Brunei, but we are also asking them to reciprocate and open their borders to us. The secretaries-general of the respective foreign ministries are meeting to discuss this.

"The decision will now depend on the outcome of the talks on our proposal. We will wait and see," he added.

In a boost to medical tourism, Ismail also announced that foreigners are now allowed to come to Malaysia in order to undergo medical treatment without the approval of the Immigration Department.

"They need not be quarantined as they will be brought directly to the hospital of choice for their treatment, he added.

These foreign nationals do, however, need to register with the Malaysian Health Tourism Council before entering.

They are allowed to bring one person to accompany them and the person needs to undergo health screening at their country of origin or once they reach Malaysia.

For international students studying in public institutions of higher learning
in Malaysia who wish to return here, the government will refer to the Higher Education Ministry and the Education Ministry for verification purposes, said Ismail.

"The students involved need to do Covid-19 screening at the country of origin or immediately upon arrival here at the state entrance. T

"They need to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine process at their residence and download the MySejahtera app," he added.

Meanwhile, Ismail said that police arrested 15 people yesterday and on Wednesday for breaching the recovery movement control order (MCO) rules. Seven of them were remanded, three were given police bail and five were issued compound fines, he said.

The breaching of recovery MCO rules by the 15 detained included patronising karaoke and reflexology centres, pubs, nightclubs and massage parlours, all of which have yet to be allowed to reopen. - Mkini