PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged the government to ensure that all travellers from China test negative for Covid-19 prior to arriving in Malaysia.
MMA president Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai said the health ministry should allow only fully vaccinated travellers from China who test negative in a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test entry.
“Upon arrival at the entry point or within 24 hours, travellers should undergo a professional Antigen Rapid Test Kit (RTK-Ag) screening for Covid-19.
“The same should also be done for travellers from other countries experiencing a significant rise in cases (Covid-19)” he said in a statement today.
Muruga said there were concerns that the manpower shortage in public health facilities would overwhelm the healthcare system if cases requiring hospitalisation and intensive care start to surge.
“Perhaps, as an additional precaution, the government can look at a gradual opening to visitors from China and relax restrictions when the situation there improves significantly,” he said.
He said while Malaysia has managed to control the rise in cases, the health ministry should prioritise the public’s health and safety by taking preventative measures.
“This includes getting a booster dose when it is due as well as wearing face masks in crowded and enclosed spaces,” he said.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the Cabinet has agreed to control and tighten the nation’s borders for travellers from the US and China.
He said Putrajaya is not discriminating against any particular nation, reiterating that tighter border measures would not only be for travellers from China.
On Friday, the health ministry announced that all travellers arriving in Malaysia will have to undergo temperature checks for fever.
Its minister, Dr Zaliha Mustafa, said those found to be feverish, symptomatic or have self-declared Covid-19 symptoms will be referred to a quarantine centre or the health authorities for further checks.
