30 Dec 2022 | 11:17 PM UTC
Malaysia: Authorities slightly tighten COVID-19-related travel restrictions as of Dec. 31 amid rising international disease activity /update 70
Malaysia tightens COVID-19-related travel restrictions as of Dec. 31 amid rising international disease activity. Disruptions likely.
Event
Malaysian authorities have issued orders to slightly tighten the country's COVID-19-related travel restrictions as of Dec. 31 amid rising international disease activity. Under the new directives, international travelers must undergo health screening at points of entry and self-declare any COVID-19 symptoms. Individuals who test positive will undergo further health checks and may be subject to quarantine. Officials did not immediately release further information regarding the new quarantine requirements, including the length of the quarantine period or where individuals must isolate.
Additionally, incoming passengers who have been in China within 14 days before arrival will need to take a rapid antigen test (RAT). Similarly, passengers who have been in close contact with travelers who visited China within two weeks before arrival in Malaysia or exhibit COVID-19 symptoms are required to be tested upon entry. Officials may change entry restrictions, COVID-19 testing requirements, and other measures on short notice.
Domestic Measures
Authorities require people to wear facemasks in public transport vehicles and healthcare facilities. Facemasks are not compulsory aboard aircraft unless destination countries mandate them. However, officials continue to encourage individuals in crowded indoor venues and high-risk people, such as those who are unwell, to wear a facemask. People who test positive for COVID-19 must quarantine for at least four days. Officials will allow individuals to leave quarantine if they obtain a negative result from a supervised RAT on the fourth day; patients who receive a positive result from the RAT must continue to isolate until the seventh day. The enforcement level of the curbs varies across the country.
Local officials may enforce stricter short-term controls in localities with high COVID-19 activity. State governments may impose restrictions in addition to the central government's health mandates.
Advice
Follow all official health and safety measures. Ensure contingency plans account for additional disruptive controls or further extensions of current restrictions. Consider postponing travel if affected by restrictions. Confirm flight status before checking out of accommodations and departing for the airport. 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.
