Sarawak’s state disaster management committee (JPBN), in a statement today, said those with employment, student or long social passes will be exempted from the ruling.

However, it said they must undergo compulsory self-quarantine at home for 14 days.

“Sarawakians who have been to China in the last 14 days must also undergo compulsory self-quarantine at home for 14 days.

“Chinese nationals who are already in Sarawak are advised to report to the Chinese consulate about their whereabouts and place of stay in Sarawak,” it said.

The action was taken as part of the Sarawak government’s efforts to mitigate the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus.

There have been eight suspected cases in the state. Six of them were later tested negative while results are awaited for the other two.

The number of confirmed deaths due to the virus outbreak had risen to 259 with 11,791 people infected in China.