KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 12): Malaysia has introduced new quarantine exemption rules for travellers to the country who have been previously infected by the Covid-19 virus. This will come into effect from Thursday (Jan 13)

The exemption is subject to such travellers being fully vaccinated and having contracted Covid-19 within 11 to 60 days of their arrival, said Minister of Health (MoH) Khairy Jamaluddin 

In a statement on Wednesday (Jan 12), Khairy said the travellers must have printed or digital laboratory reports to show they were infected with the virus within that period.

“Upon arrival in Malaysia, the traveller who was previously infected with Covid-19 and has completed the Covid-19 vaccination does not need to undergo mandatory quarantine. However, the traveller is still required to undergo Covid-19 testing using the RTK antigen test kit in the presence of a government health worker.

“For travellers who have yet to complete their vaccinations or have yet to be vaccinated, they will be subject to mandatory quarantine of seven days at a quarantine station,” Khairy elaborated. 

In his statement, Khairy pointed out that the new ruling was based on scientific evidence and the latest developments in other countries in managing travellers who have been infected.

“Travellers with a history of getting admitted to hospital for Covid-19 will need to furnish a ‘fit for travel’ letter from the hospital.

“Those who were treated for Covid-19 at home or in an isolation centre will have to undergo a professional RTK-Ag (antigen) test two days before flying to Malaysia and test negative.

“However, those who have yet to be fully vaccinated will be required to undergo mandatory quarantine for seven days at a designated quarantine centre,” Khairy shared. 

Separately, MoH also urged individuals who are eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine to get a booster dose to achieve an optimum level of protection and avoid severe symptoms and complications from the disease.