Last week, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organisation was “very concerned” about the evolving Covid-19 situation in China, with “increasing reports of severe disease”.
While health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has said the ministry is prepared for a possible hike in Covid-19 cases, he did not announce any specific requirements for those arriving from China.
In a statement today, Yii said countries such as Japan, the US, Italy, South Korea and India have imposed certain requirements for travellers from China, especially after the WHO warning.
“The government should seriously take the current threat and surge of Covid-19 cases in China into account and implement temporary emergency measures,” he said.
“This is important to better protect the people as well as prevent another crisis that may overwhelm our healthcare system.”
The US started imposing mandatory Covid-19 tests on travellers from China yesterday, and Japan will do the same starting tomorrow.
Yii, who is the chairman of Parliament’s select committee on health, science and innovation, suggested that Malaysia follow suit and ensure that travellers from China take a Covid-19 test at least two days before their arrival in this country.
He said they should be tested upon arrival, with those tested positive to be quarantined for seven days.
Reuters reported that since China relaxed strict measures to stop the spread of Covid-19, it has experienced a surge of cases, overwhelming hospitals and prompting foreign countries to impose restrictions on its travellers.
The news agency also said the easing of restrictions in China, which came after widespread protests against such moves, meant that Covid-19 was spreading largely unchecked and likely infecting millions of people a day.
Former health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad noted that more than 50% of Chinese nationals who landed in Milan tested positive for Covid-19.
“Global alarm bells and coordination need to be louder. India, Japan and the US require a negative Covid test from (Chinese visitors),” said the Kuala Selangor MP on Twitter.
“Is Malaysia ready? Not something to ignore… but not overly alarmist though.”