Malaysia has relaxed several standard operating procedures as the nation transitions from Covid-19 pandemic, to the endemic phase, starting April 1.
This evening, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin revealed additional changes that will come into effect on Sunday. They include:
i. The wearing of face masks outdoors is no longer required
“The wearing of face masks, however, is still mandatory indoors, and in public transportation, including e-hailing services. The wearing of face masks outdoors and in open spaces is optional, but still encouraged,” said Khairy.
“Face masks can be taken off indoors when exercising, or when a person is alone, or eating, giving a speech, or performing.
“The wearing of face masks is still important to protect us and those around us, especially the elderly, and the children.”
Khairy added that it was not compulsory outdoors due to the good ventilation, but “we will still encourage people to wear face masks, especially at Ramadan bazaars, night markets, and in stadiums”.
He said those who have the flu or cough, should still wear face masks, both indoors and outdoors.
ii. Scanning of MySejahtera is no longer compulsory
Khairy said while the scanning of MySejahtera was no longer compulsory, the mobile application was still important to validate tests and to monitor the home surveillance order, which is done digitally.
“High-risk individuals cannot enter any premises,” he added.
iii. Vaccination status no longer an issue
Business owners now only need to check and see if the patron is Covid-19 positive or not, based on the status of his, or her, MySejahtera. Khairy added that there would not be checks on a person’s vaccination status.
iv. Test and release for Covid-19 positive cases
Under the new protocol, a Covid-19 positive patient can be released on Day 4, only if his or her Rapid Test Kit (RTK) result is negative. This must be done under the supervision of the medical personnel registered by the Malaysian Medical Council, and can be done either physically, or virtually. If the individual does not take an RTK test, he or she can only be released on Day 7, after testing positive for Covid-19.
Khairy said travellers coming to Malaysia would no longer have to undergo tests, if they are 13 and above, with complete vaccination, or have fully recovered from Covid-19 between six and 60 days from the date of recovery. Also excluded are those fully vaccinated adults.
“Those who have incomplete vaccinations or have not been vaccinated, will still need to undergo tests prior to their departure, and upon their arrival in Malaysia. Travellers with symptoms will be subjected to testing at the arrival gate itself,” Khairy said.
The government has also dropped the Covid-19 insurance requirement for foreigners entering Malaysia.
Nightclubs, which is the only industry still under the National Security Council’s no-go list, will be allowed to operate, starting May 15.
