Malaysia: Authorities to ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions from May 1 /update 67

Event

Malaysian officials plan to relax additional domestic COVID-19 restrictions from May 1. Authorities will no longer require people to wear facemasks outdoors but will continue to require people to wear them indoors and on public transport. The government will not enforce social distancing or venue capacity limits. Individuals will no longer be required to check-in to enter premises; unvaccinated people may enter all establishments unless they are classified as high-risk, are undergoing quarantine, or have COVID-19. People who test positive for COVID-19 must quarantine for seven days; however, officials will allow individuals to leave quarantine if they test negative on a rapid antigen test (RAT) on the fourth day.

Fully vaccinated travelers, people who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 60 days, and children, regardless of vaccination status, aged 12 years and below will not need to take pre-departure and on-arrival tests. Foreigners arriving in the country will also not need to have COVID-19 insurance to be granted entry.

Domestic Measures
All states and federal territories remain under the least stringent Phase 4 controls in the four-tier National Recovery Plan. Schools can conduct on-site activities with protocols. Night entertainment venues remain closed but will be allowed to reopen May 15. Interstate travel is permitted.

Local officials may enforce short-term stricter controls in localities with high COVID-19 activity. State governments may also impose restrictions in addition to central government mandates.

International Travel Restrictions
Fully vaccinated entrants do not need to undergo quarantine upon arrival. Unvaccinated arrivals must provide a negative PCR test obtained within 48 hours before departure and take a RAT test within 24 hours after arrival. Unvaccinated travelers must also quarantine for five days. Arrivals must show a digital travelers card obtained on the MySejahtera contact-tracing application before boarding.

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
MySejahtera application