'Test and release' protocol for Malaysia's air VTL with Singapore, Cambodia and Thailand

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From Channel News Asia

KUALA LUMPUR: The arrival health protocols for Malaysia’s air vaccinated travel lanes (VTLs) with Singapore, Cambodia and Thailand will be standardised, Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong wrote in a statement on Tuesday (Mar 15).

In light of Putrajaya’s decision to reopen borders on Apr 1 as the country begins its transition to the COVID-19 endemic phase, Dr Wee wrote that the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the air VTLs with the three countries will be “made uniform”, utilising the “test and release” method.

Under this method, travellers will no longer need to wait for their COVID-19 test results within the terminal upon arrival, he explained.

“Travelers need only conduct a COVID-19 swab test upon arrival and will then be allowed to proceed to their respective accommodations as declared in MySejahtera Home Surveillance Order (HSO) via private transport, taxi, or hired vehicles,” he said. 

Travellers must then self-isolate while awaiting their COVID-19 test results, which will be ready within 24 hours.

[macaroni21]

As so often is the case with such announcements that are intended to boost tourism, the minister is silent as to what will happen if the test result comes back positive. 

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13 minutes ago, macaroni21 said:

As so often is the case with such announcements that are intended to boost tourism, the minister is silent as to what will happen if the test result comes back positive. 

This is the current SOP. Not sure if they will keep this in april but any changes should be towards less restriction. I should add, only those requiring hospitalization will be quarantine at hospital. Otherwise, self isolation is the default, whether at home or hotel.

By 1st April, below will be the standard SOPs

And SOP for travellers arriving after 1st April.