Returning citizens advised to undergo swab tests before departure

CORONAVIRUS | Citizens returning from abroad are asked to undergo swab tests for Covid-19 three days before departing for Malaysia.

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this was to prevent a long waiting time for test results at the country’s entryways.

“The government is aware of the long waiting time for those arriving at (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) KLIA from abroad [...] We are concerned if more citizens return at the same time, the waiting time for the swab test results would be very long.

“Therefore, as a choice for citizens waiting to return, they are advised to undergo swab tests before returning.

“If (test result is) positive, they can get treated overseas, whereas those who test negative will be permitted to go home to undergo mandatory (two-week) quarantine,” he said during his press briefing in Putrajaya today.

Those who have been tested must produce a certificate clearing them of Covid-19 upon arrival into the country.

Ismail (photo) added these citizens would also be subjected to the standard operating procedures for home quarantine, in that they must download the MySejahtera mobile app and wear quarantine wristbands for the duration of their self-isolation.

Those who do not get tested before returning would still have to undergo swab tests after arriving. 

However, in cases of lengthy delay of more than a day, he said returnees would have to be placed at public training centres pending test results.

From June 10, returning Malaysians are permitted to undergo mandatory two-week quarantine at their respective homes instead of at quarantine centres, after undergoing swab tests upon arrival.

Ismail, who is also senior minister in charge of security cluster, had previously said there would be little waiting time as the antigen rapid test kits being used would return results speedily. - Mkini