All tourists entering M'sia to undergo Covid screening test at airports, say authorities

30 Dec 2022 11:55am
Screening test to be carried out
Screening test to be carried out
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SHAH ALAM - All foreigners entering Malaysian including those from China will be subjected to screening test at international airports, health authorities say.

In a statement, the health ministry said those with fever or flu-like illness will be referred to quarantine centres for testing.

"A Covid test will be carried out of they are suspected of Covid," she said in a statement.

This comes after fears of surge in infections as tourists from China are expected to flood Malaysian shores to celebrate Chinese New Year next month.

An RTK-Antigen test will also be mandatory for those with a history of travelling to China within two weeks of their arrival.

The samples will be sent for genome testing, the statement said.

This includes those with close contact with individuals who had travelled to China within two weeks or show symptoms of influenza-like illness or severe acute respiratory infection.

The ministry underlined four main strategies to curb any possible surge and deaths in local cases.

The first is to strengthen Covid-19 surveillance in the community, environment and lab followed by vaccinating high-risk groups.

The third measure will be to elevate public health service system's preparedness and response, followed by community empowerment through continuous involvement and advocacy.