Langkawi-bound tourists must be screened for Covid before departure, says Khairy

Starting tomorrow, travellers intending to visit Langkawi in Kedah will be required to undergo screening for Covid-19 before departure.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the screening test should be conducted on adults aged 18 and above as well as children and teenagers aged seven to 17 years.

“Children aged six and below are only required to undergo symptomatic screening taking into account their ability to produce saliva.

“They must also be with their parents or guardians who are fully vaccinated and not Covid-19 positive or close contacts of positive cases, and must adhere to the SOPs set,” he said in a statement today.

He said the screening could be done using RT-PCR or RTK-Antigen tests at any private health facility and laboratory, or by using self-test kits.

Khairy said RT-PCR or RTK-Antigen tests should be done within 48 hours prior to the departure date with the test results brought to the airport or ferry terminal for inspection.

“Travellers can also purchase a saliva self-test kit and take it to the airport or ferry terminal and undergo their test at the screening spot provided.

“They can also purchase self-test kits through services that will be provided by the private sector at the screening area at the airport and ferry terminal,” he said.

Khairy said tests conducted at the airport and ferry terminal would be monitored and verified by the health personnel on duty.

“Those who have tested negative will be allowed to continue with their journey while individuals who are found to be Covid-19 positive will not allowed to do so and will be managed as per the existing Covid-19 positive case management SOPs,” he said.

Khairy said the domestic travel bubble initiative needs to be implemented carefully to ensure that it runs smoothly and does not contribute to an increase in Covid-19 cases and new clusters.

“I would like to stress that the implementation of this travel bubble does not mean that the government allows the public to not practise the safety measures set such as wearing face masks, observing physical distancing and washing hands regularly,” he said.