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Covid-19: Malaysian workers can’t enter S’pore, Thailand under lockdown, M’sian immigration chief confirms

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysians working in Singapore and Thailand will not be able to commute there during the two-week restriction of movement order, Immigration Department director-general Khairul Dzaimee Daud confirmed on Tuesday (March 17).

Malaysian immigration chief Khairul Dzaimee Daud.

Malaysian immigration chief Khairul Dzaimee Daud.

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KUALA LUMPUR —  Malaysians working in Singapore and Thailand will not be able to commute there during the two-week restriction of movement order, Immigration Department director-general Khairul Dzaimee Daud confirmed on Tuesday (March 17).

He confirmed this to the Malay Mail when contacted about the order’s implications for Malaysians commuting to work outside of the country.

“PM has announced it last night. Immigration Department will implement the decision.

“Starting tomorrow, all Malaysians working in Singapore and Thailand will be prohibited from commuting to the countries,” he said.

The nationwide lockdown from March 18 to March 31 was announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday.

The directive, aimed at halting the spread of Covid-19, also requires non-essential businesses to shut down, and schools and tertiary education institutions to close.

The travel restriction on Malaysians impacts thousands who live in Johor and work in Singapore.

On Tuesday, Malaysia’s National Security Council also issued a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to elaborate on Putrajaya’s implementation of the nationwide movement control order, reported The Malaysian Insight.

These are the FAQs:

Are celebrations, gatherings, weddings, feasts and similar events allowed?

Marriage ceremonies can proceed but without involving a large number of guests. For receptions and other gatherings, it is advisable to postpone these until the Covid-19 situation in Malaysia improves.

Does the movement control order apply only to specific hours within this period?

No, the order is in effect at all times throughout this period.

If I run out of food and necessities, can I go out to buy them and immediately return home?

Yes.

I am a Malaysian citizen and my husband is a UK citizen. Are we allowed to return to Malaysia during the movement control order period?

You can, with the condition that you can prove your marriage, whether it is registered with the Malaysian government or in the country abroad. Both of you must undergo health screenings and self-quarantine to reduce any risk of infecting others.

My child is a student at an institution abroad. Is he/she allowed to return to Malaysia?

Yes. Any Malaysian currently abroad can return during the movement control order period. However, the individual must undergo health screening and self-quarantine to reduce the risk of infecting others.

I am a foreigner with a long-term pass to enter Malaysia and have returned to my country of origin before the movement control order was issued. Am I allowed to return to Malaysia for work purposes during this period?

Only foreign migrants who work in the essential services sectors will be allowed into Malaysia during the movement control order period. Foreign migrants must obtain a confirmation letter from their employer and must present this document to the Immigration Department at checkpoints.

I work in Singapore. Am I allowed to commute to and from my workplace in Singapore?

No. The movement control order applies to all individuals in the country. Any individual who works in a neighbouring country but lives in Malaysia is not allowed to leave and enter the country daily during this period and is requested to inform their respective employer about the matter.

I have made travel plans to holiday in Malaysia and have made the necessary payments. Can I still continue with my vacation?

Under the movement control order, people are prohibited from visiting places, including tourist spots, for social activities. You are advised not to continue with your vacation plans.

Can I drive to the airport to pick up friends who have returned from abroad or relatives working in essential services sectors in the country?

Going out to run a quick task is allowed under the movement control order.

Are schools required to hold replacement classes later?

No.

Are lectures and all activities for students at both public and private higher education institutions subject to the movement control order?

Yes.

What about students living at accommodations in public and private higher education institutions, especially foreign students?

All students of both public and private institutions are to return to their respective lodgings for the period of the movement control order. For foreign students, they are advised to return to their country of origin for this period. Foreign students who return to their country of origin will not be allowed entry into Malaysia as long as the order is in force. Foreign students who decide to remain in Malaysia and live in accommodation provided by public and private education institutions must report themselves to the institution’s management and are also subject to the other restrictions under the order.

Will restaurants, such as fast-food restaurants and hawker centres, remain open?

Restaurants can remain open but only for takeaways and food delivery services through service operators such as GrabFood or Foodpanda.

Will public transportation, such as buses, LRT, MRT and Komuter trains, remain in operation?

All public transport services will be operational throughout the movement control order period.

I have paid for my hotel accommodation for a vacation before the movement control order was issued. Can I get a refund?

This matter should be raised with the hotel concerned if the booking has been made before the order was issued.

If there is a death in my home that is not related to Covid-19, are Muslim funeral prayers and majlis tahlil allowed? 

These can be held with the closest next of kin and the mosque or surau only. Funeral prayers can be held but without tahlil prayers. AGENCIES

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