KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians returning from abroad will no longer have to undergo the 14-day mandatory quarantine at designated centres, effective June 10.
Instead, returnees would undergo swab tests for Covid-19 at the airport upon arrival, said Senior Minister (Security cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He added that those who test negative for Covid-19 will have to complete the mandatory 14-day quarantine period at their respective homes.
"They are required to download the MySejahtera application and wear the quarantine wristbands for identification purposes.
"Their movements will be monitored through the MySejahtera application.
"For those who test positive, they will be sent to the hospital for treatment," he said in a press conference, today.
Ismail who is the Defence Minister said any individual found violating the mandatory quarantine and the Covid-19 standard-operating procedure (SOP) will face a compound of RM1,000 and be charged in court.
He said the government had dispensed with the 14-day mandatory quarantine at designated centres after taking into account the fact that infection rate of Covid-19 in other nations is under control and also the declining infection curves.
"The government has also improved its ability to conduct Covid-19 screening tests for international arrivals," he said.
When asked if any Malaysians from abroad will be placed at specific centres while waiting for their swab test results, Ismail said it would not be necessary as the results will be made available between one and two hours.
"The Antibody Rapid Test Kit (RTK) for antigen detection will also be made available quickly so there is no need to wait.
"Unless there is a special case where they have to wait two days for their results, they must be quarantined at a designated area.
"They can only head home after obtaining the results," he said.
37 Malaysians have arrived home since June 6 and are placed under quarantine.
"As of June 7, there are 156 quarantine centres operating compared to 165 the day before, with 14,665 individuals undergoing quarantine.
"There were 50,873 Malaysians who had arrived from abroad and placed under mandatory quarantine since April 3. Until today, 40,805 individuals had completed the term and allowed home," he said.