Returning Malaysians And Foreign Travellers To Bear Cost For Covid-19 Tests

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

30th June 2020 - 2 min read

(Image: Bernama)

Malaysians returning from abroad will now need to pay a fee of between RM30 to RM150 for the Covid-19 tests that are conducted upon entering the country, said a new federal gazette effective immediately. Non-citizens, meanwhile, will be charged between RM60 to RM250 for the same tests.

The new ruling, known as the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Fee for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Detection Test) Regulations 2020, was published on 26 June by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba. It stated that the fee will depend on the type of Covid-19 detection tests administered before returning individuals can proceed for immigration clearance at any points of entry. The types of tests used will be determined by the health director-general.

Here’s a breakdown of the test fees:

Type of Covid-19 detection test	Citizen (RM)	Foreigner (RM)
Polymerase chain reaction	150	250
Antigen rapid test kit	60	120
Antibody rapid test kit	30	60

Three categories are, however, exempted from paying: disabled individuals (OKU) carrying the OKU card issued by the Social Welfare Department (JKM), government officers returning to Malaysia on official assignments, and students returning to the country for the first time.

“Anyone in these three categories who have paid for their screening before this decision on fee waiver was made can claim for a refund from the Health Ministry,” said senior minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The regulation further noted that any Malaysians or non-citizens within the country can request to undergo Covid-19 detection tests at any government hospitals. These include government clinics and medical institutions declared by the government as federal medical institutions, or any other locations declared by the health director-general as testing areas. The same pricing applies.

(Image: Miera Zulyana/Malay Mail)

Aside from that, the new gazette also allows the health minister to make full or partial waivers of the Covid-19 test fees according to his discretion.

Prior to this, Datuk Seri Ismail had said that Malaysians returning from abroad will need to undergo a swab test upon arrival. Those testing positive will be sent for treatment at designated hospitals. Meanwhile, those who tested negative are required to go through a mandatory 14-day quarantine period at home. They must also download the MySejahtera app and wear the quarantine wristbands for monitoring and identification purposes.

(Source: Malay Mail, Bernama)

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Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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