Covid-19: Immigration Dept to monitor China travellers in special lanes at international entry points, says Health Ministry

PUTRAJAYA: Special lanes manned by the Immigration Department will be used to monitor Chinese tourists entering Malaysia as part of efforts to mitigate Covid-19 transmissions, says the Health Ministry.

Its deputy director-general (public health) Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli said suspected Covid-19 infected individuals would then be referred to Health Ministry officials stationed on site.

"Thermal scanners will also be set up at our international entry points, with symptomatic travellers being referred to our officials for further checks.

"Once there, they will be monitored to see whether they are really infected with Covid-19 with a rapid antigen test (RTK) later conducted," she told a media briefing at the Health Ministry on Tuesday (Jan 10).

Dr Norhayati added that Covid-19 positive travellers in categories one and two would be given the option to isolate themselves at homes or their lodging residences.

"Those in categories three, four and five will meanwhile be referred for further treatment in either public or private hospitals," she said.

She added that flight attendants and ground staff would also assist Health Ministry officials in monitoring whether incoming travellers exhibited Covid-19 symptoms.

She noted how there were 4.096 incoming travellers from China since their borders reopened on Jan 8, with no positive cases recorded as of yet.

"We will continue to monitor the situation diligently," she said.