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Latest updates: Malaysia under COVID-19 lockdown: All we know so far
Per the latest update from Malaysia (as of late night, 16 March), the nation is implementing a lockdown from 18 March to 31 March, and therefore sanctions have been put into place that cover all Malaysians travelling abroad. Those who have just returned are required to undergo health checks and voluntary quarantine (or self-quarantine) for 14 days.
On 15 March, Singapore has rolled out updated entry approval guidelines to contain the spread of COVID-19 through imported cases.
As of 16 March 2020, 2359 hours, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will require all work pass holders (including dependants) with travel history to ASEAN countries (which includes Malaysia), Japan, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom within the last 14 days and planning to enter/return to Singapore, to obtain MOM’s approval before they commence their journey.
Upon arrival in Singapore, all affected work pass holders will be placed on a mandatory 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN).
The ASEAN countries covered under this notification are:
- Brunei Darussalam
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Lao PDR
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Thailand
- Vietnam
However, all travellers from Malaysia must note that these restrictions currently only apply to those coming in via air travel.
As shared by Singapore’s Minister for National Development, Lawrence Wong: “These arrangements will not apply to Singaporeans and Malaysians using our sea and land crossings daily.
“Precautions are needed at these checkpoints but they need to be considered separately given the high volume of people, and the high level of interdependency between our two countries. Officials on both sides are now discussing separate arrangements for these checkpoints through the Joint Working Group on COVID-19.”
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When applying for entry approval, employers will be required to declare to MOM that they have arranged for suitable premises to house these entering/returning employees for the duration of their SHN.
Employers are required to apply for entry approval using this online facility. The employers will be required to send the MOM approval letter to the employees who will need to show it to the airline staff upon check-in and at the ICA checkpoint upon arrival in Singapore.
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