Current Rules: Malaysians Will Need to Pay RM30-RM150 for the COVID-19 Test When They Return Abroad

Last updated on May 6th, 2021 at 09:18 am

Malaysians returning from overseas would have to pay a total of RM30 to RM150 to be screened for Covid-19 upon their admission into the country from now on, whereas non-citizens would have to pay higher rates depending on the form of testing carried out, new rules released by the government said.

The updated rules released on June 26 and entering into force today are classified as the Rules for the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Covid-19 Detection Check 2019 Coronavirus Virus Fee) 2020.

In the regulations announced by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Adham Baba on June 26, any Malaysian or visitor entering Malaysia would be forced to pay the stated charge, based on the form of Covid-19 identification tests taken “before continuing for immigration clearance at any point of entry,” with the type of testing used by the Health Director General to be determined.

The fee for a Malaysian is RM30 for an antibody rapid test kit, RM60 for an antigen rapid test kit, RM150 for a polymerase chain reaction test kit; while the fees stated in the regulations for foreigners are RM60 (antibody rapid test kit), RM120 (antigen rapid test kit), RM250 (polymerase chain test kit).

The same regulations also specify that any Malaysian or foreigner in Malaysia may require that Covid-19 detection tests be carried out at any government hospital including government clinics and medical institutions deemed by the government to be federal medical institutions or at any place specified by the Health Director-General to be a place for such testing.

The same pricing plan previously stated extends to anyone who demands these Covid-19 evaluations. Nevertheless, this new set of regulations also said that in every particular case the health minister may in his choice allow full or partial exemptions of the fees for Covid-19 examinations.

Previously, on June 10, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Malaysians returning from abroad will undergo a Covid-19 swab test as soon as they arrive at the airport, with those positive tests being sent to hospitals for treatment while those negative tests will undergo a 14-day quarantine at their own homes.

Anyone put under self-quarantine would need to download the MySejahtera program, and the authorities would provide a wristband for quick identification and monitoring of movements.