Santhara’s private secretary, Muhammad Effi Arpan, confirmed the matter.

Effi said Santhara returned last week and is working from home.

“He will only attend physical meetings after he has completed quarantine,” he told FMT.

On March 1, in response to questions raised over his “disappearance” from the country, Santhara took to social media to explain that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had allowed him to go on leave for 55 days to be in New Zealand with his family, partly because his wife was ill.

The Segamat MP denied allegations that he left the country during the movement control order (MCO) period, stating he left for Auckland on Dec 23 and was quarantined until Jan 9.

Santhara was also reported to have said that he will consider taking legal action against those making false accusations against him when he returns to Malaysia, adding that police reports will also be lodged.