*This Malaysia coronavirus update will be updated every week with the latest report. 

Malaysia Covid-19 in Numbers (as of August 8, 2022)

• Total Number of Cases: 4,708,552

• Total Number of Recovered Patients: 4,626,756

• Total Number of Reported Deaths: 36,026

• COVID-19 Warning Level in Malaysia: Level 3, COVID Risk is High. Make sure you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before travelling to these destinations. If you are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, avoid travelling to these destinations.

*Data lifted from the latest Wikipedia report and the CDC.

What Is the Current COVID -19 Situation in Malaysia?

Malaysian officials stated that restrictions implemented should stay until December 31 to help stop the coronavirus (COVID-19). The government handles all localized outbreaks of the virus and bans foreign tourists’ entry into the country until the end of 2020.

Malaysian nationals and non-citizens who possess employment and residents pass in different categories can get special entry. Otherwise, the country prohibits entry and closes its international borders. The government requires a 14-day quarantine in an assigned government facility for all arrivals and will have to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival and completion of the quarantine period.

The government permitted most social and economic activity to resume, except for pubs and nightclubs. Public transportations require the mandatory wearing of face masks. 

All measures given by local officials progress at a fast rate and are normally implemented straight away. Authorities are likely to change or modify these measures depending on the progression of the outbreak. Officials still advise people to reschedule nonessential travel due to possible denial of entry until further positive developments.

Authorities advise all people to abide by the following course of action to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection:

• Make it a habit to clean hands by using soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
• Cover mouth and nose with a tissue or a flexed elbow when sneezing and coughing. Dispose of immediately in designated trash bins, then wash hands.
• Do not hesitate to call emergency services if experiencing cough, fever, difficulty in breathing, or respiratory illness symptoms, including pneumonia, before proceeding to a hospital to avoid the risk of spreading the virus.

Is It Safe to Travel to Malaysia Now?

Malaysia is famous for its attractive tourist spots and hospitable people. The country has magnificent landscapes, tropical rainforests, and lively cities. It is a beautiful sight to explore the colonial city of George Town, the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, and the beautiful beaches of Langwaki. 

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, however, it is not advisable to travel to Malaysia at this time. The country closes its borders to international travelers in the meantime and advises travelers to postpone their tour and reconsider travel dates until further notice. Despite heightened measures for the pandemic, the number of new cases for coronavirus infections is steadily decreasing, indicating a good indication of a recovery pathway.

What are the Requirements if I Need to Travel to Malaysia?

If you are a qualified foreign traveler, the Government of Malaysia imposes requirements before entering the country:

• Download and complete the Indemnity and Undertaking Letter (LoU) and submit it to your country’s Malaysian Embassy / Consulate, and obtain your Travel Notice.
• Send your Travel Notice to your travel agency.
• Download and register your details to the MySejahtera mobile app before you travel to Malaysia.
• Upon arrival in Malaysia, you need to complete a 14-day quarantine at a designated quarantine center assigned by the government, at your own expense.

Qualified foreign nationals need to have all the necessary entry approval acquired from relevant agencies/ministries such as the Immigration Department of Malaysia; Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council or Ministry of Education; Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, before flight check-in and boarding.

Upon arrival in Malaysia, there will be public health authorities on-site to make sure that all arriving travelers will go through a vital health screening, COVID-19 tests, activation of the MySejahtera app, and all individuals must complete the Health Declaration Form from the app.

The Government of Malaysia developed the MySejahtera app to monitor its COVID-19 outbreak by allowing users to evaluate their health condition against COVID-19. The app gives the Ministry of Health the critical information for proper planning and execution in controlling the situation. The Government of Malaysia orders a mandatory for all travelers to download and activate the MySejahtera mobile app to enhance the Ministry of Health’s contact tracing success. 

The app is available for download from Apple App Store and Google Play Store for free.

General Advisory for Travel to Malaysia

The third wave gives Malaysia a more challenging situation, with the D614G-type mutation that is easily transmitted and infect people because of clusters in Kedah and Sabah. Despite this situation, the Health Ministry improved its management of COVID-19 compared to the initial two waves. It is also alarming to know that medical frontline workers’ tremendous efforts in Sabah are now approaching a critical state, as 75 percent of the new cases came from the area.

The Health Ministry sent more healthcare personnel from different divisions and departments throughout the country to Sabah. The strategy is to conduct community surveillance and contact tracing by testing, finding, isolating, and treating all persons who tested positive for the virus. The government exerts its efforts to break the chain of spreading the virus and tighten the controls of its district borders.

In line with the Health Ministry’s efforts to help stop the spread of COVID-19, the application process for approval of entry and exit for foreigners and Malaysians is made smoother. Applicants may submit their applications through MyTravelPass on the Immigration Department’s official website. 

Applicants will have to wait for approximately five working days for the approval of their request. The approval for an applicant’s request must meet the categories through MyTravelPass:

• Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) pass
• Spouse of a Malaysian or spouse of an individual with permanent residency pass, and for individuals with dependent visa applications
• Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) pass
• Expatriates’ applications for entry
• Foreign maids’ and temporary work visit applications pass.
• Foreigners’ applications under Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)

All applicants will receive their application results through email. Take note that the application is made more accessible, but the approval is not guaranteed.

Health Safety Hygiene in Malaysian Hotels

The Malaysian Associations of Hotels (MAH) launched a hygiene and safety label in the country as part of their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The country’s tourism industry suffered, and travelers lost their confidence in pursuing their travel to the country. The “Clean & Safe Malaysia” certification program is the country’s way of protecting people in the hotels and resorts industry, which is compliance with international standards and implements it under local regulatory requirements.

Hotels and resorts with the “Clean & Safe Malaysia” certification assure its guests of their protection against the virus through compliance with the appropriate safety and hygiene conditions. The management also attests to giving its employees safe working conditions. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture of Malaysia supports this program as it provides both international and local tourists peace of mind using these hotels.

What Protocols To Observe Upon Entering Malaysia?

Malaysians will be able to enter the country even without acquiring the approval from the Department of Immigration Malaysia after exiting during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO). This also includes locals coming from other countries that have Long-Term Pass Holders or entry restrictions.

The Government of Malaysia prohibits entry on individuals of countries that have more than 150,000 COVID-19 cases. The countries included in the list are Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, and Iraq. The increasing number of COVID-19 cases also affects countries like Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. However, passengers from these countries can transit in KLIA within only 24 hours maximum.

What Should I Do After I Travel?

Your travels will put yourself in a risk of COVID-19 infection, whether domestic or international. There are cases of asymptomatic state, where an individual may feel well but is already infected with the virus. They can be contagious and infect others, especially their companions during the trip. You may put the people around you at risk for 14 days after your infection of the virus. Consider these measures to keep you safe from the virus during your trip:

• Observe six feet distance from anyone outside your household. It is imperative to follow this measure both inside and outside your house.
• Always wear a hospital-grade mask to cover your nose and mouth. This practice helps prevent the spread of viruses when you are outside of your house.
• Wash your hands all the time with soap and water, or use a hand sanitizer.
• Always check yourself for any symptoms of COVID-19. Take your temperature if you feel ill.
• Check the CDC’s webpage. Read their after travel advice to know if you need to take extra measures from your travel.

Note: This Malaysia coronavirus update was first published in October 2020 and has been updated to include the latest developments.