Covid-19: Entry into M'sia barred for long-term pass holders from India, Indonesia, Philippines

PUTRAJAYA: Long-term pass holders from India, Indonesia and Philippines will not be allowed to enter Malaysia effective Sept 7, following a spike in Covid-19 cases in these countries, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Senior Minister said the move was to prevent imported cases from being spread in the country.

The citizens from the three countries who are affected include those holding permanent resident status, participants of Malaysia My Second Home, expatriates and professional visit pass holders, spouses of Malaysian citizens and students, many of whom were still allowed to travel to the country despite tight restrictions on travel.

“The special Cabinet committee is aware of the sudden spike in Covid-19 positive cases in certain countries.

“The meeting today decided to impose restrictions on citizens of India, Indonesia and Philippines entering the country, ” he said on Tuesday (Sept 1).

Ismail said the government would also monitor the situation in other countries and did not rule out the possibility that the same restrictions might be imposed on citizens of other countries experiencing a spike in cases.

“We have asked the Health Ministry to make detailed planning on how Malaysia should face threats and challenges in view of the possibility of an increase in cases during winter.

"We have started tightening border controls by not allowing people from the three countries to enter, ” he said.

Ismail said the other challenge was how to prepare for the return of Malaysian citizens from countries experiencing winter. He said this needed to be looked into.