05 Jan 2023 | 09:48 AM UTC
Malaysia: Officials in Sabah State tighten entry requirements for travelers from mainland China effective Jan. 8 /update 71
Officials in Sabah State, Malaysia, to tighten entry requirements for travelers from mainland China effective Jan. 8.
Event
Officials in Malaysia's Sabah State will tighten entry rules for travelers from mainland China effective Jan. 8. Under the new directives, passengers arriving from mainland China must be fully vaccinated and present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test (RAT) result taken within 48 hours before departure. The strengthened measures are part of curbs placed on arrivals from mainland China in effect since Dec. 31. 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.
International Travel Restrictions
All 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, though officials have not specified the duration and location of these quarantine measures. Additionally, inbound passengers who have been in China within 14 days before arrival will need to take a rapid antigen test (RAT). Passengers who have been in close contact with travelers who visited China within two weeks before arriving in Malaysia or exhibit COVID-19 symptoms must be tested upon entry.
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.
