Senior minister for security Ismail Sabri Yaakob said they decided to increase the quarantine period from 10 days to 14 days, because of the presence of the South African variant of the Covid-19 virus in those countries.

“They also need to take a swab test from the country of origin, three days before flying here,” he added.

Ismail said those who are entering Malaysia need to observe the two-week quarantine at quarantine stations and are required to download the MySejahtera app on their mobile devices.

“On their 10th day of quarantine, we will conduct another swab test on them,” he added.

The highly contagious South African variant or B.1.351 was first reported here last week (April 14).

On a separate matter, Ismail said the government has decided to end the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) at six localities in Tawau, beginning April 25 (Sunday). The areas are Taman Cahaya, Jalan Tengku Osman, Kuarters Bomba Tawau, Jalan Mesra, Taman Golden Hill and Taman Sri Bukit.

He said the number of Covid-19 cases in the localities had decreased and the patients were currently seeking treatment; with their close contacts isolated.

The government is also extending the lockdown at two areas (Bandar Sri Indah, Kampung Titingan) in Tawau district and at Sungai Passin, Matu, Sarawak for two weeks, starting from Monday (April 26) until May 9.

The EMCO was scheduled to end tomorrow. Ismail said there were still cases reported by the health ministry in these areas.

Meanwhile, 269 people were arrested over MCO-related offences, of whom 250 were slapped with compounds, while the remaining 19 were remanded.

Among the offences were failure to wear a face mask, failure to register details before entering premises as well as attending nightclubs.

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