Sabah relaxes quarantine requirements for Malaysians entering the state

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has relaxed the quarantine requirement for Malaysians coming into state, but checks and procedures to assess the Covid-19 risks of people arriving will continue.

Sabah Health Department director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi (pic) said that all those arriving in the state via land, air or sea will have to fill a health declaration form and undergo medical screening upon arrival.

She said those showing symptoms would be sent to the nearest hospital for further observation while those showing no symptoms would be assessed based on the requirements of the Covid-19 risk assessment form (Borang Penilaian Risiko Penularan Jangkitan Covid-19).

“Based on the assessment, they might be required to do a Covid-19 rapid test at the various Health Department or clinics in the respective districts at entry points in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Sipitang, Nabawan or the ferry terminal in Menumbok, Kuala Penyu and Lahad Datu airport.

“Individuals will be directed to undergo home quarantine while waiting for the test results. If the test result is negative, the quarantine will be reduced, ” she said.

Dr Rundi said for those who had undertaken swab tests for less than a month before arrival, state health officials would consider allowing them to skip a test on arrival.

Those who were assessed as low risk would not have undergo Covid-19 testing.

“The changes to the procedures for entering Sabah are based on the risk assessment, ” she said.

Dr Rundi said for those who returned from overseas and are currently at quarantine centres including at hotels in Sabah, they would allowed to complete their two-week quarantine at home if their Covid-19 test was negative.

“They have to register themselves with MySejahtera application with their home address while those who decide to stay on at the hotels would have to pay for the cost themselves during their mandatory quarantine period, ” she said.

With effect Wednesday (June 10), overseas Malaysians and also foreigners with permission to enter arriving in the country would undergo Covid-19 tests on arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Dr Rundi said those with negative Covid-19 tests results would be allowed to fly back to Sabah via Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan or Tawau. They would also have to fill the health declaration form on entry.

They will also be subject to another round of screening and those showing symptoms would be referred to hospitals while others, after further assessment, might be required to be put in quarantine centres or undergo two-week home quarantine.

“On the 13^th day, they should undertake a test via the Rapid Test Kit at the nearest health clinic before they are given clearance at the end of the quarantine period, ” she said.

Meanwhile, the state government in a statement Wednesday said that Sabahans, government personnel and those working in Sabah need not undergo the Covid-19 swab tests when entering the state.

However, non-Sabahans and those from Labuan must observe the necessary requirements of the state government for entry into the state.