Health Ministry scraps pre-departure Covid-19 screening for travellers to Langkawi

PETALING JAYA: The pre-departure mandatory Covid-19 screening requirement for Langkawi travellers has been removed by the Health Ministry effective Oct 12.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the decision was made after only 0.4% of travellers tested positive at airports and ferry terminals before departing for Langkawi.

"As of Oct 10, a total of 54,341 tourists underwent Covid-19 screening (during the implementation of the Langkawi travel bubble initiative since Sept 16) and of that, only 216 travellers (0.4%) tested positive.

"Only one tourist developed symptoms while at Langkawi and tested positive for Covid-19.

"Investigations found that the source of infection was not in Langkawi.

"The travel bubble initiative also had produced no Covid-19 clusters in Langkawi," said Khairy in a statement.

Khairy said with the government’s decision to allow interstate travel starting from Oct 11, the ministry had decided to review the mandatory testing requirement for entry into Langkawi.

“After taking into consideration the small number of travellers who tested positive during screening, the ministry has decided to stop the testing requirement. This takes effect from Oct 12.

“However, tourists are encouraged to undergo self-Covid-19 tests before they embark on their journey to Langkawi to reduce the risk of infection towards other travellers,” said Khairy.

The Health Minister stressed that the requirement for adult travellers to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 remains and must be adhered to.

“Individuals undergoing quarantine because they are Covid-19 positive or are close contacts are strictly not allowed to travel.

“As for those who have symptoms such as cough, fever or flu, they are advised to postpone their travel,” said Khairy.

Khairy said the Malaysian Family must be responsible for efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19 transmission.

“The government, as well as health and security frontliners, have done their best to treat and control the spread of Covid-19 transmission in the country.

“Therefore, all individuals who intend to travel interstate are urged to undergo self Covid-19 tests before travelling to protect themselves and the rest of the Malaysian family from Covid-19.

“Always adhere to the Covid-19 preventive measures,” said Khairy.