Effective on September 7 onwards…

The Malaysian government has decided to bar long-term pass holders from India, Indonesia, and the Philippines from entering our country with valid reason. The list includes permanent residents, Malaysia My Second Home pass holders, expatriates, spousal visa holders, and foreign students. This decision is made due to the worsening situation of Covid-19 cases in these countries.

According to Senior Minister for Security Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the new restrictions will begin from September 7, 2020. Not too long from now! Not to mention that Malaysia will also keep on monitoring countries that have the possibility to suffer in Covid-19 infections during the upcoming winter season.

Yes, Malaysia’s infection rate is under control currently in comparison to other countries such as France, India, Japan, South Korea, and Spain. But Health Director-general Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah mentioned that it is vital for Malaysia to take proper measures to stop the widespread of Covid-19 in the country.

“We cannot stop them from coming back as it goes against the Constitution. I also believe the Immigration Act also cannot prevent our citizens from returning.”

In supporting their proper measures, he said that the health ministry would propose a plan as a way to handle the situation in more holistic approach. This is also to ensure the effort of minimizing the risk of foreign infections by returning Malaysians from the potential infected countries.

While the government is doing their best to stop the widespread of Covid-19 in Malaysia, let’s do our part too and remind others.