COVID-19: M’sia bans India, Indonesia and Philippines pass holders due to surge in import cases

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has announced that Malaysia will restrict long-term pass holders from India, Indonesia and the Philippines from entering Malaysia starting 7th September 2020. The decision was made due to a spike in COVID-19 cases from the three countries.

He added that the restriction is applicable to permanent residents, Malaysia My Second Home pass holders, expatriates, spousal visa holders and visa students.

According to the Minister, the decision was made following the advice from the Health Ministry to ensure COVID-19 is contained in the country. Last week, Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah had called upon the government to tighten entry into Malaysia as there’s an increase in imported cases locally.

Ismail Sabri also said that the government is also monitoring the situation in other countries. It is possible that the same restrictions will be extended on citizens of other countries that are experiencing spike in COVID-19 cases.

Yesterday, Dr Noor Hisham had warned that COVID-19 infections may spike due to winter in other parts of the world. He added that the Ministry of Health is looking four months ahead and there’s a need to make preparations now. He added that mutation of COVID-19 virus has made it more infectious and it is important that all Malaysians strictly comply with the SOP.

The number of new imported cases have increased significantly in the past few days. Since 28th of August, there are a total of 37 imported cases while there are 7 local cases reported.

On the eve of National Day, there are 15 imported cases which include 12 arriving from India. On the 29th of August, there are 10 imported cases which consists of 8 individuals arriving from India.

[ SOURCE, IMAGE SOURCE ]

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