The Health Minister of Malaysia, Khairy Jamaluddin announced the latest COVID-19 SOPs that will be put into effect on 1 May 2022 in his latest media conference by KKM.
The announcement further marks the nation’s move towards the endemic phase, where previous restrictive measures have been relaxed since the reopening of borders to international travelers on 1 April 2022.
5 new SOPs were introduced in the media conference:
-
Masks optional in public spaces
Although it is no longer required to wear masks in outdoor places, the government encourages the public to wear masks in crowded places, especially those exhibiting symptoms or high-risk people (such as the elderly or unvaccinated students).
For indoor settings, masks can only be removed when alone, eating or drinking, speaking, performing or engaging in vigorous exercise. At the same time, the 1-metre physical distancing measure has also been nullified.
2. MySejahtera check-ins no longer required
Beginning 1 May 2022, the public will be free to enter any premises without the need to use MySejahtera check-in, regardless of vaccination status. However, the public has been urged to utilize the MySejahtera Trace function to trace close contacts; only confirmed cases are not allowed to enter public places.
In addition, MySejahtera has also launched a new function. Its existing Hotspot Tracker will be changed to Infectious Disease Tracker to view hotspots of other diseases such as Dengue, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, Measles, etc.
3. Relaxed procedures for inbound travelers
Fully vaccinated tourists no longer need to undergo COVID-19 testing and quarantine when entering Malaysia, and COVID-19 insurance is no longer required for foreign travelers.
However, foreign travelers aged 18 and above who are partially or not vaccinated need to be quarantined for 5 days and tested before and after entering Malaysia.
4. Reduced quarantine days for positive COVID-19 patients
Confirmed patients are required to quarantine for 7 days. However, effective May 1, as long as confirmed patients are tested negative after taking a supervised RTK-Ag test on the fourth day, their isolation can be ended early.
If the confirmed person still tests positive on the 4th day, they are required to isolate for 7 days.
5. Banned activities now permitted starting 15 May 2022
All prohibited items or industries that are prohibited from operating under the National Security Council (MKN) Negative List will be lifted on May 15.
The government is also preparing the SOPs for the reopening of related industries and will soon release relevant announcements accordingly.
Although COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed, compliance with SOPs must still be adhered to. Always be mindful and practice safety measures as much as possible.