KUCHING, Dec 19: Travellers arriving from South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Malawi must undergo Covid-19 rt-PCR tests two days before taking off from those countries before entry to Sarawak effective Dec 22, 2021.
This also applies to those who have a travel history of less than within 14 days in the eight countries where arrivals from those countries are subject to temporary travel restrictions in Sarawak.
This was among the refinements to entry procedures for travellers from abroad arriving in Sarawak undertaken by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) in light of developments in the Omicron variant situation across the globe.
Apart from the rt-PCR testing, SDMC said the travellers must also apply for entry via enterSarawak, fill in the e-HDF (Health Declaration Form) and undergo another rt-PCR test upon arrival at the first point of entry in Malaysia.
Additionally, these travellers must undergo 14-day mandatory quarantines at designated centres identified by the authorities.
“They are not allowed to continue travelling to Sarawak or to other destinations in Sarawak until the quarantine period is completed.
“They will only be granted termination from quarantine once their rt-PCR swab test result on the 10th day is found to be negative.
“However, they are still subject to risk assessment on the 14th day and extension of quarantine if necessary,” SDMC said in a statement today.
For travellers arriving from other countries or have a history of traveling abroad within 14 days before entering Sarawak, they are also required to undergo rt-PCR tests two days before take off, apply for entry via enterSarawak, fill in the e-HDF and undergo another rt-PCR test upon arrival at the first point of entry in Malaysia.
However, they are only subject to a 7-day quarantine for those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and 10-day quarantine for those who have yet to complete or undergo vaccination. They will be quarantined at designated centres at their first point of entry to Malaysia.
“They will undergo rt-PCR tests on the 5th day (for 7-day quarantine) and 8th day (for 10-day quarantine) and are subject to risk assessment on the last day and extension of quarantine if necessary,” it added.
SDMC also revealed that travellers from abroad must declare their travel history to the health screening officer upon arrival in Sarawak.
Strict legal action will be taken if the travellers are found to be providing false information, fail to provide information on their health status or fail to declare their travel history.
These rules may also change from time to time according to the current COvid-19 situation within and outside the country. — DayakDaily
