Senior Minister for Security Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government had received complaints about the previous RM150 cost, with many pointing out that the same rate was charged for those placed in hotels.

“The facilities at these training institutes are not as good at the ones at hotels. So upon reviewing the matter, we decided to reduce the rate by RM50,” he said.

Ismail also said the government has decided to waive the fees for those from B-40 families.

They are required to provide evidence of their salaries and other proof that they fall under the B-40 category, he said.

Ismail said former prison inmates who were recently released in neighbouring countries and those who have lost their jobs overseas will also receive a waiver on their quarantine fees.

“There have also been requests from those who are unemployed overseas and forced to come back. They may submit evidence that they are short of funds and are unable to pay quarantine fees at the hotel,” he said.

He also announced that children under 12 returning from overseas will be allowed to have a parent accompanying them during their mandatory 14-day quarantine. They will be exempted from paying any fees.

However, Ismail said requests for mandatory quarantines at public training centres depend on the availability of rooms, as there was limited space.

He also said health officials and enforcement officers carried out spot checks on 1,434 individuals placed under the home surveillance order to ensure the SOPs were complied with. Action was taken against five people.

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