A statement from Wisma Putra said the repatriation mission would be carried out with chartered flights from Malaysia, which will depart for New Delhi and Mumbai once the relevant arrangements, including flight approval from the Indian government, are completed.

“Malaysians in the northern and western provinces of India who wish to take part in this repatriation mission are advised to register with the Malaysian High Commission in New Delhi and the Malaysian consulate general in Mumbai no later than 5pm Indian time on Friday,” said Hishammuddin.

“Malaysians brought back through this mission are required to undergo Covid-19 tests before departure and upon arrival.

“In addition, they are also required to undergo a 14-day quarantine at centres designated by the government.”

India is suffering the world’s worst Covid-19 outbreak, with a daily infection rate of over 400,000 and more than 3,000 deaths every day.

While he noted the “very worrying” Covid-19 situation in India, Hishammuddin said the repatriation mission would not involve the southern and eastern states as the pandemic there is “still under control”, adding that the consulate general in Chennai will monitor the situation in those states.

The government carried out similar repatriation missions from Wuhan in China, Iran and Italy last year.

Hishammuddin also reminded Malaysians in India, especially those in the northern and western regions, to keep in touch with the high commission in New Delhi and the consulate general in Mumbai to obtain the latest information about the mission or to seek consular assistance.

The high commission in New Delhi and the consulate general in Mumbai can be contacted via email at [email protected] and [email protected].