No quarantine needed for fully-vaccinated travellers entering Malaysia with recent history of COVID-19 infection

This applies to fully-vaccinated travellers who had been infected within the past 11 to 60 days prior to arrival in Malaysia, effective 13 January, the Ministry of Health has shared.

Malaysia's Ministry of Health (MOH) has recently released a statement on updated border control procedures, particularly for travellers arriving in Malaysia with a history of COVID-19. These border measures will take effect on 13 January 2022 (Thursday).

Per the statement, Malaysia is still adhering to stringent border control procedures, including testing and quarantine for travellers arriving in Malaysia to reduce the risk of imported COVID-19 cases. Travellers with a positive RT-PCR test will therefore not be allowed to enter Malaysia. 

At the same time, the protocols for travellers arriving in Malaysia with a history of COVID-19 infection have been updated. Upon reviewing scientific data and evidence, as well as experience from how other countries manage the admission of travellers who have a history of COVID-19, the government will take the following approach:

1. Travellers must be able to show proof of being fully vaccinated;
2. Evidence of having been infected within 11 to 60 days prior to departing for Malaysia, through printed or digital laboratory test results; and
3. Travellers with a history of hospitalisation due to COVID-19 infection need to submit a ‘Fit to Travel’ letter from the medical practitioner at the relevant hospital.

Travellers undergoing isolation at a place of residence — including hotels — for being infected with COVID-19, but are not hospitalised, will need to undergo a professional RTK antigen (Ag) screening test within a period of two days before departure to Malaysia. Only individuals with negative results are allowed to proceed with the journey.

Travellers must be able to produce all relevant documents for items (a), (b) and (c) above to aviation and health authorities upon arrival, if requested.

In addition to the above, these travellers must comply with a set of requirements upon arrival in Malaysia; namely:

• Travellers are required to complete a health declaration form in the MySejahtera application;
• Travellers are required to scan the QR Code "Travelers from Outside Country" using the MySejahtera application upon arrival at the International Gateway (PMA) Malaysia;
• Travellers need to undergo health screening, including body temperature checks at the PMA; and
• Travellers are required to undergo COVID-19 tests using RTK Ag in the presence of Government or private health workers at the PMA.

Upon arrival in Malaysia, fully-vaccinated travellers who have previously been infected with COVID-19 within the past 11 to 60 days are not required to undergo mandatory quarantine. However, they are still required to take the RTK Ag test in the presence of Government or private health personnel stationed at the PMA.

Travellers who are not fully vaccinated will be subject to a mandatory quarantine of seven days at the quarantine station, and are also required to take the RTK Ag test in front of Government or private health personnel stationed at the PMA.

Meanwhile, travellers who have never been infected with COVID-19 are to still adhere to the current border procedures.  

The government further reminded travellers to adhere to established SOPs while in Malaysia, and take up booster shots. 

Lead photo / Malaysia's Ministry of Health Facebook