Malaysians, foreigners entering country must pay for Covid-19 tests

By Hana Naz Harun - July 3, 2020 @ 12:14pm

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian citizens and foreigners entering the country must pay for their compulsory Covid-19 tests before obtaining Immigration clearance.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said that the government, through his ministry, began imposing fees for the three different types of tests on June 29.

"Any Malaysian or foreigner in Malaysia can also ask to be tested at any government hospital or Health Ministry clinic and must pay a fee for the test," he said in a statement today.

Dr Adham said for Malaysians, the fee for a Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction test (RT-PCR) is RM160; while a rapid antigen test costs RM60; and an antibody rapid test costs RM30.

Meanwhile for foreigners, the fees are RM250, RM120 and RM60 respectively.

"Covid-19 detection tests at the country's entry points and Health Ministry facilities will use the RT-PCR or rapid antigen tests where appropriate.

"Meanwhile, rapid antibody test kits are currently being used for individuals placed under home surveillance on day 13, before they are released on day 14," he added.

The fees are exempted for three categories of Malaysians returning from abroad, Dr Adham said.

The first category is government officers entering Malaysia after returning from official duties abroad. They must present an official letter on the matter as proof. This fee exemption is not applicable to family members.

The second category is disabled Malaysians entering the country, who must present their certified disability cards issued by the Social Welfare Department. Family members of disabled persons are not exempted from the fees.

Malaysian students, whether sponsored or not, are also exempted if returning to the country for the first time since the outbreak. The students must present proof of studies.

"The ministry remains committed to providing the best services to all Malaysians," Dr Adham said.