January 9, 2023
KUALA LUMPUR – SEPANG: The standard operating procedure (SOP) for the entry of foreign tourists at all international entry points remains as of now, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Any decision regarding the new SOP will only be made based on the latest Covid-19 data, he said.
He also explained that the SOP imposed on tourists arriving in Malaysia, including from China, is the same as that for arrivals from other countries.
“Of course it’s not wise to be selective and I feel it’s not right for us to take that stance,” he told reporters after observing the operations at the KL International Airport (KLIA) here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Last Wednesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia would not discriminate against any country in conducting Covid-19 checks on travellers entering the country as its priority was the people’s health and safety.
Anwar said the Immigration Department had also tightened controls at the country’s entry points to monitor the entry of foreigners into Malaysia.
Elaborating, Saifuddin said tourists detected to have fever would be taken to a special corner to be examined by the doctor on duty.
“If the body temperature is 37°C, they (the tourists) will be placed at a specific point for observation.
“If they continue to show signs of being positive (for Covid-19), they will be taken to Hospital Sungai Buloh,” he said.
On the examination of the Immigration counter at KLIA yesterday, he said overall he was satisfied because all tourists complied with the existing SOP.