Malaysia: Authorities extend most existing domestic COVID-19 controls through May 17 /update 37

Event

Malaysian authorities are extending most existing domestic COVID-19 restrictions through May 17, though controls will be tightened in Sabah State from April 29. Most nonessential interstate travel remains suspended nationwide. Strict protocols known as "conditional movement control orders" (CMCO) will remain in effect in Kuala Lumpur and the states of Johor, Penang, Sarawak, and Selangor through at least May 17. CMCOs will also be introduced in Sabah State from April 29. Under CMCOs, most industries can operate with particular protocols in place, though some businesses such as entertainment venues must remain closed. Markets, shopping centers, retail stores, and food establishments can open 06:00-23:59 daily. Social gatherings, meetings, workshops, and seminars can occur with up to half the venue's capacity. Areas under CMCOs typically allow interdistrict movement.

Most locations in Malaysia will continue to follow the less strict "recovery movement control orders" (RMCO) through May 17. Under RMCOs, most businesses can operate, though public places where social distancing rules are hard to enforce remain closed. Public transport can operate provided service providers ensure compliance with certain mandates intended to limit the spread of COVID-19, such as requiring passengers to undergo temperature checks and wear facemasks. The use of facemasks remains compulsory in crowded public places; authorities urge residents to wear facemasks in all public spaces to the extent possible. Mass gatherings can occur, though they are limited to 500 people, with all attendees wearing protective facemasks.

Authorities also impose "enhanced movement control orders" (EMCO), the strictest level of controls, at the local level in areas with high COVID-19 activity. Under EMCOs, officials urge residents to stay at home, with only two people per household authorized to leave their residences to buy essential goods. Residents must not travel more than 10 km (6 miles) from their homes. Most nonessential businesses are closed, and employees are required to work from home to the extent possible. EMCO rules typically include stay-at-home orders and a ban on travel into and out of the affected areas.

Nationwide controls continue indefinitely. Interstate trips for essential reasons, including travel for work and education, can occur only from Monday through Thursday. Officials allow interstate travel Friday through Sunday only in case of emergencies, long-distance marriages, or deaths. Individuals performing such weekend travel must obtain police permits.

State governments may impose additional restrictions on top of those mandated by the central authorities. Sarawak requires all persons arriving in the state, including those from other parts of Malaysia, to present a negative result from a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test taken within 72 hours before entry. Central or state authorities may enact or reintroduce restrictions if COVID-19 cases increase.

Travel Restrictions
Most foreigners remain banned from entering Malaysia; exemptions are in place for resident diplomats, foreign spouses and dependents of Malaysian citizens, long-term pass holders, and expatriate employees working in essential industries and their dependents, among others. Travelers must seek prior approval from authorities, undergo tests for COVID-19 upon arrival, and download the MySejahtera contact-tracing application. Arrivals must quarantine at designated sites for 10 days. Foreigners may transit Malaysian airports as long as they do not pass through immigration points. Malaysian nationals remain banned from traveling abroad, with limited exceptions.

Sabah State bans entry for travelers, including long-term pass holders, from several countries. Exceptions are in place for diplomats and their dependents, workers in the oil and gas industry, and maritime vessel crew members.

Malaysia may allow limited cross-border travel with Singapore for business and official purposes. Under the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) scheme, individuals may make short trips from Singapore and be exempt from standard quarantine requirements for arrivals. Such travelers must present approval letters from immigration authorities and a company or government agency in Malaysia, obtain visas if required, and test for COVID-19 within 72 hours before travel and upon arrival. They must also comply with a controlled itinerary for the first 14 days and adhere to contact tracing measures. Additionally, the Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) allows travelers to make multiple-entry visits through land border crossings at Woodlands or Tuas for 90-day stays; however, persons traveling under the PCA must isolate at government-designated facilities for at least one week. Travelers can leave the quarantine sites upon testing negative for COVID-19.

Advice

Follow all official health and safety measures. Ensure contingency plans account for additional disruptive controls or further extensions of current restrictions. Postpone travel if affected by restrictions. Confirm flight status before checking out of accommodation and departing for the airport. Follow all official instructions, particularly if traveling from affected locations. Allow additional time for immigration and health screenings at all ports of entry. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays.

Resources

Prime Minister's Office
Immigration Department of Malaysia
World Health Organization (WHO)
MySejahtera application