Malaysia: Authorities extend restrictions on entry of foreign nationals until June 9 /update 21

Event

On Sunday, May 10, the Malaysian government extended the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) until June 9 amid ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) concerns. Under the directive, no foreign nationals can enter the country, with the exception of those with diplomatic passports, permanent residents, or expatriates in an essential service. All travelers permitted to enter the country will be subject to COVID-19 testing and will be required to quarantine for 14-days at a designated government facility. Malaysian authorities will transport travelers directly from the airport to a quarantine facility and foreign nationals, including permanent residents, will be obliged to pay a minimum of RM150 (USD 34) per day to cover the cost of the quarantine.

Malaysian Immigration services have resumed operations under the CMCO, by appointment only. According to media sources, additional exceptions may be made for travelers entering under immigration rules, including foreign national spouses of Malaysian citizens; however, authorities advise to contact them for approval prior to traveling and arriving in country. Foreign nationals may transit through the international terminals in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), but may not pass through immigration and will be required to stay airside.

As of Wednesday, May 20, there are 7009 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Malaysia, with 114 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands. 
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.