Govt rejects expatriates' applications to go for holiday abroad

Putrajaya has declined applications by expatriates holding the Employment Pass (category 1) to go on holidays abroad during the recovery movement control order (MCO).

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob (above) said the government had received such applications for overseas vacations including from expatriates but did not give them the approval.

"If they insist, they will not be allowed to return to the country (throughout the MCO)," he said at a media conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

On another matter, Ismail urged 255 individuals on home quarantine to come forward for the second Covid-19 test after they failed to do so on the 13th day of self-isolation.

"Maybe they were not aware of the date they were supposed to go to the clinic. Please immediately contact the Health Department," he added. 

Ismail warned that authorities know their locations and the failure to come forward will result in a RM1,000 compound or being hauled to court.

"They could be sentenced to up to two years in jail, or fine, or both," he said.

Ismail noted that some of those on home quarantine had attempted to go out although they were supposed to stay in a room for 14 days.

In one case in Malacca, he said that an individual who was not confined in a room during the home quarantine had infected the father.

"The Health Ministry is tracing the close contacts of the individual," he added.

As for Malaysians returning from abroad, Ismail said many airline companies required passengers to furnish evidence that they were tested negative for Covid-19.

"Therefore, we have today decided that every Malaysian returning home must undergo Covid-19 testing three days before their departure date."

He reminded the public to continue following the standard operating procedure (SOP) such as observing social distancing and sanitising their hands.

The reminder was also directed at students who will be returning to school tomorrow.

"I would like to take your attention to Hong Kong.

"Hong Kong had to reinforce the MCO due to a spike in Covid-19 positive cases.

"It had to close schools and suspend a dozen economic activities," he said. - Mkini