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Malaysia Eases Covid-19 Restrictions

Malaysia Eases Covid-19 Restrictions

The country moves further forward into the endemic phase with Covid-19 SOP restrictions lifted as of May 1, 2022.
Saturday, April 30, 2022 By
by Corina Tan

Following a decline in hospitalization rates and demand for intensive care beds, the Healthy Ministry has announced easing Covid-19 restrictions for the public. The number of recorded cases prior to the announcement were 3,361 cases with 13 deaths on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. In terms of vaccination, 97.6 per cent of the adult population have completed two doses, while 68.1 per cent have received the booster shot.  The vaccination rate for children, however, remain low and there is some risk of multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children due to Covid-19 infections. This serious complication characterized by inflammation in multiple organs is something to keep in mind as the country moves forward with the ease of restrictions beginning May 1st.

(Read now: Cycle & Carriage Begins Its Independent Employee COVID-19 Immunisation Programme)

HARI RAYA

Hari Raya Puasa open houses will be allowed with no maximum capacity to households this year. “This freedom does not mean we have won the war against Covid-19. We must ensure the festivities do not end in disaster. Even if we are asymptomatic, we may be carriers of the Covid-19 virus,” Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin told a news conference which was aired live on social media. He advised people to self-test for Covid-19 before heading out for Hari Raya festivities to prevent the spread of the virus.

MASKS

Although masks have become part of everyday life since the start of the pandemic, they are now no longer mandatory when one is outdoors.  Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin said that wearing masks are still highly encouraged especially in a crowded setting outside. Masks are still mandatory indoors or any enclosed spaces including public transportation and e-hailing rides.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING

The rule to physically distance ourselves or what was referred to as social distancing is now no longer required.  However, distancing is still encouraged when not wearing a mask or when coming into contact with children and high-risk individuals.

MYSEJAHTERA CHECK-INS

Entry into premises is now allowed for all Malaysians regardless of their vaccination status except individuals that have a ‘high-risk’ status on their MySejahtera application or are under the Home Surveillance Order (HSO).  MySejahtera QR Code Scanning is no longer required but people are encouraged to activate the MySejahtera Trace function for contact tracing and surveillance activities in crowded places.  The application will still be utilised to check and show low risk status especially when visiting restaurants where masks are removed for eating.  The responsibility lies with individuals to ensure they are not Covid-19 positive before going out, while premise owners and authorities may check visitors risk status randomly.

TRAVEL

Fully vaccinated travellers and children below the age of 12 are exempted from pre-departure and on-arrival tests.  Non-vaccinated travellers are required to take a RT-PCR or RTK-Ag test conducted by a medical professional within two days before departure for Malaysia.  An RTK-Ag test is also mandatory within 24 hours of arrival, together with a 5-day quarantine. An RT-PCR test is required on Day 4 or an RTK-Ag test on Day 5 of quarantine, and those with a negative result will be released.  Travel insurance for Covid-19 will no longer be mandatory as well.

OTHERS

Nightclub activities and any other banned activities listed by The National Security Council will be allowed to operate from May 15.  Anyone tested positive for Covid-19 will no longer be required to quarantine for 7 days.  They will instead be allowed to take an RTK-Ag test on Day 4, and released if the results are negative.

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