Malaysia relaxes Covid-19 testing and travel insurance regulations

According to the Tourism Malaysia Promotion Board, from May 1, fully vaccinated tourists will no longer be required to undergo pre-departure and post-entry Covid-19 tests. The policy includes children aged 12 and under as well as those who have been infected with Covid-19 within 6 to 60 days before departure to Malaysia. Travel insurance will also not be a prerequisite for foreigners entering the country.

However, travelers who have not been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 are still required to take an RT-PCR test two days before departure. They are also required to undergo a rapid RTK-Ag test by a specialist within 24 hours of arrival in Malaysia and are required to undergo a 5-day quarantine (except for those aged 17 and under).

Wearing a mask outdoors is optional but is still mandatory in enclosed spaces, including shopping malls, offices, public transport and ride-hailing cars. However, wearing a mask is still recommended in crowded places and for people at high risk of Covid-19.

Social distancing rules have also been lifted, people are now free to shake hands, but are advised to wash their hands and disinfect regularly.

In addition, scanning QR codes via the MySejahtera epidemic prevention and control application is no longer strictly required, but the MySJ Trace function is still recommended to be activated for convenient contact tracing. Regardless of vaccination status, everyone will be allowed into the facilities except those who have tested positive for Covid-19 and have been issued a home quarantine order.

Those who test positive for Covid-19 will still be required to quarantine for 7 days. The Covid-19 test results and health assessment will be done on the MySejahtera app. However, those who test positive for Covid-19 can be released from quarantine earlier if they have a negative RTK-Ag rapid test result conducted by a specialist on the fourth day.

Duc Huy