Wisma Putra relaxes quarantine rule for foreign diplomats

People arriving in Malaysia, including diplomats, were required to undergo mandatory quarantine. The rule has been relaxed from June 10.

PUTRAJAYA: Foreign diplomats arriving in Malaysia are no longer required to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine at the designated centres, the foreign ministry said today.

However, the diplomats must undergo the PCR test for Covid-19 in their home country and present documents on arrival to Malaysia,” Wisma Putra said.

The statement was issued in response to a news report that envoys had been awaiting “clearance” to return to Malaysia and that no exceptions on mandatory quarantine had been granted to heads of missions, including the United States Ambassador to Malaysia, Shirin Lakhdhir.

The report said Malaysia had rejected a US State Department request for Lakhdhir to serve her quarantine at her residence.

Wisma Putra said the government’s actions were based on consultations with experts and a consensus by relevant agencies to preserve public health and national security.

“These decisions should not be seen as an arbitrary or discriminatory act but are derived from clear transparent laws and regulations, applicable to all persons entering the country,” it said.

Wisma Putra also reminded foreign diplomats that the Vienna Convention stated that “it is the duty of all persons enjoying such (diplomatic) privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state”. - FMT