Malaysia: Officials extend stricter protocols in several localities through March 31 /update 32

Event

Authorities have extended stricter protocols termed the conditional movement control orders (CMCO) in Kuala Lumpur and Johor, Kelantan, Penang, and Selangor states, Kuala Muda, and Kulim districts in Kedah State, and Negeri Sembilan's Seremban District through March 31 due to COVID-19. Sarawak State is also enforcing CMCO through March 29. Under CMCO, industries can operate with protocols in place, though some businesses like entertainment venues remain suspended. Markets, shopping centers, retail stores, and food establishments can open 0600-0000 daily. Social gatherings, meetings, workshops, and seminars can occur with up to half the venue capacity. CMCO localities allow interdistrict movement, though most interstate travel remains suspended.

Officials will allow Kedah (except Kuala Muda and Kulim districts), Negeri Sembilan (except Seremban District), and Perak states to implement the less strict recovery movement control orders (RMCO) March 19-31. Malacca, Pahang, Perlis, Sabah (except Nabawan District), and Terengganu states and the federal territories of Labuan and Putrajaya will also continue to enact RMCO through March 31. Under RMCO, most businesses can operate, though public places where social distancing rules are hard to enforce remain closed. Public transport can operate with curbs, such as requiring passengers to undergo temperature checks and wear facemasks. Using facemasks remains compulsory in crowded public places; authorities urge residents to wear facemasks anywhere else in public to the extent possible. Mass gatherings can occur with protocols, such as wearing facemasks and a cap of 500 people. Most interstate travel remains suspended.

Authorities have also enforced movement control order (MCO) or enhanced movement control order (EMCO), the two strictest sets of controls, in areas with high COVID-19 activity. Locations enforcing MCO include Sabah State's Nabawan District through March 30. Under MCO, 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. Localities enacting EMCO, which is the most stringent set of curbs, include Pahang State's Tioman Island through March 29. EMCO rules typically include stay-home orders and a ban on entry and exit from the affected areas. Furthermore, the central government has designated areas recording more than 40 COVID-19 cases in the previous two weeks as red zones; such areas may see local restrictions.

State governments may impose additional restrictions on top of those mandated by the central authorities. Sarawak requires arrivals, including those from other parts of Malaysia, to present a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result 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 advance 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 at 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 vessel crew. Sabah allows entry for visitors from Brunei for any purposes, provided these travelers test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before travel and arrive by air or land.

Malaysia allows limited cross-border travel with Singapore for business and official purposes. Under the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) scheme, people can travel short-term from Singapore with an exemption from standard quarantine requirements for arrivals. The 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. Such travelers must comply with a controlled itinerary for the first 14 days and adhere to contact tracing measures. Additionally, under the Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) scheme, which allows travelers to undertake multiple-entry visits through land border crossings at Woodlands or Tuas for 90-day stays, people must isolate at government-designated facilities for at least a 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 travel 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