Foreign visitors are now required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)prior to arrival in Malaysia! Here is what you need to know…
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) Requirement
From 1 December 2023 onwards, the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) requires foreign visitors to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) prior to their arrival in Malaysia.
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) replaces the physical white arrival card that foreign visitors usually complete before or on arrival in Malaysia.
This new rule applies to all foreign visitors, except:
people transiting / transferring through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance,
Malaysian Permanent Resident, and
Malaysian Automated Clearance System (MACS) holders
As an added benefit, foreign visitors from 10 countries can register their fingerprint at the immigration country, and will thereafter be able to use the Autogate (Egate) at Malaysian airports and other ports of entry to quickly get through immigration!
Australia
Brunei
Germany
Japan
South Korea
New Zealand
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
United States
United Kingdom
But please note that the MDAC is not a visa. Neither is it an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) that some countries use to pre-register visitors for multiple entries.
All foreign visitors (except those who were explicitly exempted above) will need to register for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) for the first time.
Enrol for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) at this official link.
Complete and submit the MDAC within three days (3) prior to your arrival in Malaysia.
You will be required to fill in these information:
a) Full name
b) Passport number
c) Nationality
d) Sex
e) Date of Birth
f) Date of Passport Expiry
g) Email address
h) Mobile Number
i) Date of Arrival : Must be within 3 days (including date of submission)
j) Date of Departure
k) Mode of Travel : Air / Land / Sea
l) Last Port of Embarkation
On arrival in Malaysia, you will need to enroll and verify your passport manually at the Malaysian Immigration Department counter.
After that manual enrolment, you will be allowed to use the Egate autogate system when you depart Malaysia.
On Subsequent Visits
On subsequent visits, foreign visitors will need to:
Complete and submit the MDAC within three days (3) prior to your arrival in Malaysia.
Use the Autogate system on arrival and departure
As you can see, the new Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) does more than just eliminate waste and improve efficiency through digital transformation of the physical arrival card. It also streamlines the immigration process for foreign visitors, and allows some of them to breeze through using the Egate system!
But again – please note that you can only submit the MDAC within 3 days of your trip, and this includes the date of submission.
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) : Other Important Things
Here are other things about the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card that may be important:
You can check the status of your MDAC registration information here.
You can check the visit pass record for the latest 3 months here.
You can check your Egate eligibility status here. *
* Please note that Egate eligibility is only open to business and social travellers from these 10 countries, who have an e-Passport, and will only start after you have enrolled your fingerprints (biometric verification) at the immigration counter.
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Did a Grab delivery rider really fly from Thailand to buy chicken rice in Singapore?!
Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!
Claim : Grab Delivery Rider Flew To Singapore To Buy Chicken Rice!
A TikTok video, which allegedly shows a Grab delivery rider flying from Thailand to Singapore, simply to buy chicken rice, has racked up millions of views.
The 27-second video was recorded and posted by a Thai TikToker called Thita Vy, with these comments:
I want to eat Tokyo snacks.Will he go buy it in Japan for me? #grab #grabth
She apparently encountered this Grab delivery rider, while flying from Bangkok to Singapore. At first, she thought someone had ordered food delivery at the airport. But the man allegedly told her that he had been asked by a customer in Thailand to buy chicken rice in Singapore!
The viral video shows the man queuing up for the flight with the signature green Grab thermal bag, while holding a passport with his flight ticket. He is then shown stowing the thermal bag in the plane’s overhead compartment.
Truth : That’s Not (Really) A Grab Delivery Rider!
Now, we all know that chicken rice in Malaysia is tastier (and much cheaper!) than chicken rice in Singapore, Heck, everything is tastier and cheaper in Malaysia! 😉
In fact, Malaysian food is so delicious, someone actually sent a helicopter to collect 36 packets of Nasi Ganja from a famous nasi kandar outlet Ipoh in July 2021! But I digress…
Here is what we know so far about this viral story about chicken rice…
Fact #1 : Video Was Allegedly Recorded At DMK
According to the media outlet, 8world, the TikToker alleged that the incident occurred on 12 October 2023, at the Don Mueang International Airport.
That is plausible because the video shows people boarding an AirAsia flight, and AirAsia flies from the Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Changi International Airport (SIN) several times a day.
Fact #2 : The Man Flew From Bangkok To Singapore
The video shows the man holding a Thai passport, as he is waiting to board the AirAsia flight. It then cuts to the Changi International Airport, where the man is seen checking the green Grab thermal bag.
So the video does appear to show the man taking an AirAsia flight from Bangkok to Singapore. It, however, does not show him actually purchasing any chicken rice.
Fact #3 : Grab Labelled Video As Fictional
After the video went viral, Grab came out to refute the video, calling it “fictional”:
We understand that the fictional video was created by a member of the public independently.
Fact #4 : Man Was Not A Registered Grab Delivery Rider
In addition, a Grab spokesperson said that it does not offer cross-border food delivery services, and the man in the video was not registered with them as “a delivery partner”:
We do not offer such a service, and the person starring as a delivery partner in the video is not registered with Grab.
It is certainly plausible for rich folks to go to extreme measures to get their favourite foods. For example, Macau tycoon Stanley Ho famously sent 88 Musang King (Mao Shan Wang) durians on a private plane from Singapore to Hong Kong. Note – the durians were from Malaysia. 😉
That said, it doesn’t make sense for the man to put on a Grab uniform, or bring the Grab thermal bag… especially if he isn’t actually a Grab delivery rider!
Fact #5 : Grab Does Not Offer Cross-Border Food Deliveries
Grab said that it does not offer cross-border food deliveries. The only cross-border delivery service Grab offers is its 100+ Cities Delivery service, which is in beta testing.
Even that option only allows users to “order and send food and physical gifts from GrabFood and GrabMart merchant-partners that are available in the recipient’s city within an hour”.
In other words – the food and physical gifts must already be present in the recipient’s city. The only thing that is “cross-border” is the ability to order from another country.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Truth : Viral Video Does Not Show Bangkok Mall Shooting!
This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…
Fact #1 : Video Was Posted In Douyin
I traced the video that was posted to Douyin – China’s version of TikTok. The original poster (OP) is a Douyin user called Master ho (@yzz945201314), and here is the direct link to the video.
Fact #2 : Video Was Posted In August 2023
Master ho posted the video on 9 August 2023. The Siam Paragon mall shooting in Bangkok only occurred on 3 October 2023 – almost two months later.
So there is simply impossible for the viral video to be of the Siam Paragon mall shooting in Bangkok.
Fact #3 : Video Was Recorded In Phuket In June 2023
Even though the viral video was only posted to Douyin in August, it was originally recorded more than a month earlier – on Friday, 28 June 2023.
It was also not recorded in the Siam Paragon Mall in Bangkok. Rather, it was recorded in the Domestic Terminal of the Phuket International Airport.
If you look carefully at the video, you will notice the airport check-in counters, and people carrying luggages. The video was obviously recorded at an airport, and not a mall.
Fact #4 : Siam Paragon Shooter Was Only Armed With Pistol
The Siam Paragon mall shooter was an unnamed 14 year-old teenager from the nearby private secondary school – The Essence.
The boy was only armed with a modified Glock 9mm pistol, and did not have any long guns with him.
The shooter in the viral video was not only armed with a handgun, he also had what looked like an automatic rifle.
Fact #5 : It Was An Active Shooter Drill
The viral video does not show any actual crime, or gun violence taking place. It was an emergency security drill to simulate a response to an “active shooter” in the Phuket International Airport. In the photo above, you can even see a man taking photos or videos of the drill!
The drill was called “Full-scal exercise of Phuket International Airport Emergency Plan (PEMEX 2023), and conducted on the second floor of the Domestic Terminal, at around 11 PM – -after boarding for the final departing domestic flight had cleared the area.
The exercise was designed to simulate the coordinated response of security and anti-terrorism personnel to an active shooter taking hostages in the domestic terminal area. Thai agencies and personnel that took part in this PEMEX 2023 exercise included:
Thai Provincial Police Region 8
Sakhu Police
Phuket Airline Operations Committee (AOC)
Airports of Thailand ground service company (AOTGA)
Airports of Thailand private security company (AOT AVSEC)
Vachira Phuket Hospital
Phuket Provincial Public Health Office
Subdistrict Administrative Organisations (OrBorTor) for Mai Khao, Sakhu, and Thepkrasattri.
The truth is – anyone who analyses the video will realise that there are many “issues” with this video:
the gunshots do not sound like real gunshots
gunshots ring out even when the gunman isn’t shooting
none of the victims are bleeding
the person recording the video is bravely standing up to record the video for almost 2.5 minutes
the person recording the video can be heard laughing at around 0:18 in the video
at around 1:30, another man can be seen recording the scene from the upper floor
Fact #7 : OP Likely Reposted From A Different Source
The Douyin poster, Master ho, does not appear to be the person recording the video. He mistakenly labelled the location as Songkhla Airport – more accurately known as the Hat Yai International Airport in the Songkhla Province.
泰国宋卡机场发生枪击事件，听说是演习农 因 因 因
A shooting incident occurred at Songkhla Airport in Thailand. It was said that it an exercise.
However, he clearly stated in the description, and his subsequent comments, that it was just a drill.
Whoever copied this video from his Douyin account is certainly aware that the video was of an airport drill, and posted almost 3 months earlier.
The only conclusion we can draw from this is that – whoever copied the video to share in October 2023, is intentionally trying to mislead people.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Infowars has been proven wrong about its claims that the Biden Administration will introduce a face mask mandate in September 2023!
Claim : Biden Admin Will Order Face Mask Mandate!
People have been sharing an Infowars article which claimed that the Biden Administration will order a new face mask mandate for TSA and airport employees, followed by “full Covid lockdowns“. Here is an excerpt:
Biden Regime to Reinstate COVID-19 Restrictions Beginning with Mask Mandate as “COVID Cases Rise”, Say TSA and Border Patrol Whistleblowers
The Biden regime is preparing to reinstate full COVID-19 lockdowns, beginning with masking mandates for TSA and airport employees reportedly as early as mid-September, Infowars first to report.
A high-level TSA official reached out to Infowars, detailing a Tuesday meeting where TSA managers were informed of new memorandums and policies that would reimplement mask-wearing.
These policies will reinstate the mask mandate for TSA and airport employees starting in mid-September.
The official added that by mid-October, mask-wearing will be mandated for pilots, flight staff, passengers, and all airport patrons.
Following this disclosure from the TSA official, Infowars reached out to a trusted Border Patrol source, also in a managerial position.
This source corroborated the directives, confirming that similar measures were being planned for Border Patrol personnel.
“They were told it was not a matter of “if” but “when” official Covid numbers will go back up and they expect by mid-October a return to forced-masking policies that the Biden administration previously only reluctantly ended after massive pressure,” Infowars reported.
Infowars Proven Wrong About Biden Face Mask Mandate!
Infowars first claimed on August 18, 2023, that TSA and Border whistleblowers leaked information about a rollout of “full Covid restrictions”, which would include a face mask mandate in September, followed by full Covid lockdowns in December.
Well, it is now October 3, 2023, and there is nary a sight of any face mask mandate for TSA or airport employees in the United States. Infowars has been proven WRONG yet again.
Frankly, that’s hardly surprising. Alex Jones and/or Infowars never actually showed any evidence that the Biden Administration is planning to introduce a face mask mandate for air travel, much less full COVID-19 restrictions which would include lockdowns.
If you watch the video above, you can see that Alex Jones has a ton of paper on his table. Unfortunately, none of them were the leaked memorandum or policy documents from his TSA and Border Patrol whistleblowers.
Rather, they appear to be nothing more than printed copies of news articles! Alex Jones never showed any evidence of the “planned COVID-19 protocols” that were supposed to roll out in the middle of September 2023.
And it’s already October 2023, without a single TSA agent or Border Patrol officer required to wear a face mask in the United States.
I should point out that lockdowns are, frankly, no longer necessary because a combination of vaccines and prior infections have given people significant protection against COVID-19 infections.
Even though cases are spiking due to new variants (which are more adept at evading protection), hospitals and healthcare workers are no longer overloaded with COVID-19 patients. In fact, there has been multiple waves of new COVID-19 variants, but they have not necessitated new lockdowns.
That’s why the WHO itself declared on 5 May 2023 that COVID-19 as a whole is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Instead, COVID-19 is now considered “an established and ongoing health issue“.
Finally, I should also point out that any order for a face mask mandate on public transportation, including airlines, would be issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevent, not the TSA or Border Control.
It was the US CDC that issued the first and only face mask mandate for public transportation in the United States (PDF download) on January 29, 2021. The TSA and Border Control had nothing to do with that, but only issued their own directives to comply with the CDC order.
However, the CDC face mask mandate was made “unenforceable” by court order on April 18, 2022, and expired when the Biden Administration ended the COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023.
If the CDC ever issues another face mask mandate, it seems inevitable that it would be challenged in court, and made “unenforceable” by another court order. So what really is this panic over a “future” face mask mandate?
I should also point out that, long before the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers all over the world have had no issues wearing face masks to protect themselves and their patients. Seriously, stop being such a wuss.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Are Japanese airports now empty after Chinese tourists boycotted Japan over the release of the radioactive Fukushima waste water?!
Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!
Claim : Japanese Airports Now Empty After Chinese Boycott!
People are sharing a TikTok video which claims that Japanese airports are now empty after Chinese tourists boycott Japan over the release of the radioactive Fukushima waste water!
Chinese tourists start boycotting Japan and Japanese international airport is so empty. 80% tax free stores are shutting down and hundreds employees are losing jobs. Also planned flights are cancelled because of not enough travellers to make airplane take off.
Japanese airports losing Chinese tourists How desolate is it? It feels like it’s really getting “cold”! Flights are almost always late! There is no huge purchasing power of the Chinese people For Japan’s airports and tourism industry It’s basically equivalent to a devastating blow 80% of shops in the airport have been closed Even go bankrupt Only a few stores are left to hold on. Japan’s largest duty-free shop facing the Chinese has closed down In the past, all the shops in Japanese airports basically spoke Chinese. Moreover, it is overcrowded and even the checkout line has to wait for half an hour. Now I can’t even see a ghost Not a single passenger said anything You can’t even see the staff One of the busiest airports in the world It’s basically cold in Japanese airports now When I took this video This should be the busiest time However, I became the only customer in the whole place My friend used to work at a Japanese airport All are now unemployed Japan is not opening up the country Estimate Japan’s tourism industry And the aviation industry is really going to die.
Japanese Airports Are Not Empty + There’s No Chinese Boycott!
This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS surrounding the release of treated waste water from the Fukushima NPS, and here are the reasons why…
Fact #1 : No Evidence Japanese Airports Are Empty
First, let me just point out that the viral video does not actually show any evidence that Japanese airports are now empty because Chinese tourists boycotted Japan over the release of the Fukushima treated waste water.
There are many videos showing empty Japanese airports like Narita and Haneda during the COVID-19 pandemic. The viral TikTok video could easily be a mishmash of those videos.
Unfortunately, the TikTok video creator covered up the video with text too much for me to trace the original videos. But it looks like a compilation of different videos.
Fact #2 : Chinese Account For 10% Of Travellers To Japan
Even if there is an unofficial Chinese travel boycott to Japan, it wouldn’t make Japanese airports empty, or force shops to close.
While that makes Chinese tourists the second largest group of foreign tourists to Japan, a complete boycott wouldn’t make Japanese airports look like a ghost town, or force their shops to close down.
Fact #3 : At Least Part Of Video Was Recorded On 12 October
Although the TikTok video creator tried to mask any identifiable features in the video, he/she let something slip.
If you look closely at the date on the flight information display that showed flight cancellations, the date was 12 October.
The year is not listed, but it is only 6 September 2023 today, and the Fukushima-Daiichi NPS only started to release its waste water on 24 August 2023.
Unless the TikTok video creator has a time machine, he/she used at least one video recorded on 12 October from past years. It may not even be as recent as the COVID-19 pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.
For example, many airlines cancelled flights in or out of Japan from 11-13 October 2019, when Super Typhoon Hagibis hit Japan.
Fact #4 : Subtitles Suggest Video Was Before Japan Reopened Borders
On the other hand, the final three Chinese subtitles in the video suggest that the video was recorded before Japan reopened its borders on 11 October 2022.
Japan is not opening up the country Estimate Japan’s tourism industry And the aviation industry is really going to die.
日本在不开国 估计日本的旅游业 和航空业真的要完蛋
Fact #5 : No Evidence Of Chinese Travel Boycott
In any case, there is no evidence of any Chinese travel boycott, whether official or unofficial. Many airlines are still flying people from China to Japan.
I checked to see how many flights there are from Chinese cities to a single airport from 11 September to 17 September 2023.
Instead of seeing a dearth of flights since there is a Chinese boycott, I counted no less than 158 flights from Chinese cities to Narita International Airport over 1 week!
That’s an average of 22.5 flights per day from China to Narita International Airport. And that’s just one airport in Japan. What boycott???
Fact #6 : Many Narita Airport Shops Do Not Open 24/7
The viral TikTok video appears to show that the Dior and LEGO stores are shuttered and closed at the Narita International Airport. But did they really close down as the video claims?
The truth is – not all shops inside the Narita or Haneda airports open 24/7. Dior at Narita Airport, for example, opens from 7:30 AM until 9 PM daily. The LEGO Store at Narita Airport only opens from from 9 AM until 7 PM.
If you land late at night, you will be able to record a similar video showing both shops closed. Does that mean that they shut down because of a Chinese boycott? Obviously, not.
Fact #7 : This Is Just Fake News About Fukushima
There is no doubt that Japan is facing a LOT of criticism over its release of the Fukushima waste water, even though IAEA and many experts have endorsed the plan.
However, this is just another example of FAKE NEWS being created around the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster. Here are other examples I fact checked earlier:
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Do you now need ETA – Electronic Travel Authorisation – to travel to the UK?!
Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!
Claim : You Need ETA To Travel To The UK!
A video clip called New UK travel requirements has gone viral on WhatsApp and social media. It warns that people who travel to the UK on or after 15 November 2023, must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
This has led some people who already booked their flights to the UK to panic, as they were not aware of such requirements.
Truth : UK ETA Only Required For Some Countries At The Moment
Here is what you need to know about the UK ETA programme, and what countries are affected.
Fact #1 : Video Is Genuine
First, I would like to point out that the video is genuine, and was originally posted by the UK Home Office on 9 March 2023.
It appears to have been edited and shared by Homely Stay UK on WhatsApp and social media, where it was shared without context, leading to mass panic.
Fact #2 : UK Will Soon Require ETA For Non-Visa Travellers
The warning is, of course, true – the United Kingdom will soon require non-visa travellers to apply and pay for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
The ETA scheme is part of the UK’s plan to fully digitise its borders by 2025. But note that the ETA only applies to travellers who currently do NOT require a visa to travel to the UK.
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will soon be a requirement for people who do not need a visa to come to the UK. It will give you permission to travel to the UK, and it will be electronically linked to your passport.
You’ll need an ETA to:
come to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or study
come to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
Each traveller will require his or her own ETA, including children and babies. Each ETA will cost £10 per applicant.
Fact #6 : How Long Does Each ETA Last?
Your ETA will last for 2 years, and can use it to make multiple visits to the UK. However, you should know that having an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.
In addition, the ETA is not transferrable to a new / renewed passport. If your passport expires in less than 2 years, you will need to get a new ETA for your new / renewed passport.
Fact #7 : How To Apply For UK ETA
You can apply for yourself, or on the behalf of other travellers. There are two ways to apply for the UK ETA:
using the UK ETA app (not available yet)
apply online on GOV.UK (not available yet)
Note : Neither options are available yet, because the first day anyone can apply for a UK ETA is on 25 October 2023.
You will usually get a decision within 3 working days, but there may be delays if the UK government needs to make further checks. Once your ETA is approved, you will receive an email confirmation.
There is no ETA to print or bring with you. The ETA is linked electronically to the passport you applied with. You must therefore travel to the UK using the same passport.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Are travellers queuing up for hours at KLIA after immigration officers started a Work to Rule protest?!
Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!
Claim : Long Queues At KLIA Due To Immigration Work To Rule Protest!
People are sharing a video, claiming that it shows long queues at KLIA after immigration officers started a Work to Rule protest, over recent accusations of corruption!
Work to rule being enforced by immigration officers in KLIA as protest over the recent issue. Terrible if true! 🫢🧐🤨🤨🤨
Here’s a You Tuber telling us his story at the KLIA today. 😰😥😱
In the 1 minute and 22 seconds long video, a foreign tourist is seen complaining that he had to spend 2 hours getting through immigration at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
After waiting in line for an hour, he was sent to an immigration office where he had to wait for another hour before he was questioned. Only after an extensive questioning was the tourist released with a 90-day pass.
No Evidence Long Queues At KLIA Are Due To Immigration Protest!
This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp, and social media platforms, and here are the reasons why!
Fact #1 : Fake News Is Based On Immigration Corruption Claims
First, I should point out that this fake news is based on the recent accusations of corruption involving immigration officers at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Here is a quick recap.
On Thursday, 29 June 2023, two ladies arrived at KLIA from Shenzhen, China – a senior official of a Chinese government-owned TV station, and her personal assistant.
The senior official was duly cleared and allowed entry by the Immigration Department, but her personal assistant was denied entry, and allegedly told that there were discrepancies in her travel documents. The lady was allegedly told that she would need to pay several thousand ringgit to be allowed to enter Malaysia.
The Chinese TV official called up the consulate general of Malaysia in Guangzhou to seek help. The consulate general’s staff then contacted Malaysia Tourism Minister Tiong King Sing, who went to KLIA to investigate the matter. The personal assistant was later allowed to enter Malaysia, after the Minister intervened.
A day later, Tiong claimed that there was a “culture of corruption” within the Immigration Department’s handling of foreign visitors at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
I feel it is high time that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) enter KLIA in full force to probe what is actually happening in this major entry point.
I’m grateful that my presence there managed to uncover an embarrassing situation for the country, in which there is a culture of corruption among a number of officers as well as chronic abuse of power at the country’s major gateway.
Tiong also said that he learnt that some immigration officers would demand up to RM3,000 to free tourists from detention, and he would be sending the information to the MACC.
They would demand RM3,000 to enable the tourists to go through a ‘special lane’ and RM12,000 for visa processing costs.
I should also point out that the term, work to rule, refers to a situation where employees strictly follow their working hours, and do no more than the minimum required by their contract or job.
By that definition, it is unknown if any Immigration officer in KLIA is currently “protesting” through work to rule measures. They could simply be seen as doing their jobs, but nothing beyond that.
Fact #3 : Video Was Taken In May 2022
While it is impossible to know whether immigration officers are protesting through work to rule action, I can tell you that the viral video has absolutely nothing to do with the current controversy involving Malaysian Immigration officers at KLIA.
That’s because the video was originally taken in May 2022. The YouTuber in the video is called Ken Abroad, and he posted the video on 22 May 2023, with the title, “I Almost Got Denied Entry To Malaysia 🇲🇾“.
In the video, he detailed his journey from his home in Germany to Malaysia, via Turkey. When he landed in KLIA over a year ago, he spent more than 2 hours getting through immigration.
But notably – Ken Abroad was released without paying a single cent to immigration officers. Neither did he accuse them of corruption.
Fact #4 : Video Was Edited
The viral video originally had a long runtime of 15 minutes and 51 seconds, but was cropped to just 1 minute and 22 seconds.
Whoever cut this video to share on WhatsApp and social media platforms would obviously be aware that this was originally posted more than a year ago on YouTube.
Fact #5 : Complaints About KLIA Queues Are Perennial
Complaints about long queues at KLIA immigration are perennial. If you check social media, you can see people complaining about this months and years ago, even before the COVID-19 pandemic!
Such queues are also not limited to KLIA immigration counters. They have been documented in airports all over the world, especially in very busy airports (like Heathrow and LAX), and during busy times (when multiple flights land at around the same time).
Just because there is a queue at the immigration counters does not mean there is any industrial work to rule action going on. Often, it just means that there is a large number of people queuing up to get processed.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Can the hydrogen and methane in your fart catch fire or explode if your phone rings?!
Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!
Claim : Your Phone Can Explode / Catch Fire If You Fart!
People are sharing a video on WhatsApp and social media platforms, claiming that it shows a phone exploding or catching fire after its owner farted!
Be Careful! ⛔ Never fart with your cell phone in your pocket ! Gases are flammable ! 😱🤣
Human fart contains Hydrogen and methane both can combust with a spark ,please be careful when you fart with your phone in your back pocket. Funny but so true😅😅
Presumably, the phone triggered the fire when it rang after the man farted… but is that really possible?
Truth : Your Phone Won’t Explode / Catch Fire If You Fart!
This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created and shared on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…
Fact #1 : This Is An Old Video From South Africa
The viral video isn’t new. This video of a CCTV recording was recorded in South Africa in March 2020.
Fact #2 : It Was Not A Phone, But A Power Bank
The video does not show the man’s phone exploding or catching fire. Rather, it was a power bank that caught fire.
Fact #3 : Flatulence Is Combustible
Farts, or flatulence, is combustible, because it contains methane and hydrogen sulphide which are produced by bacteria digestion of our food. However, the power bank did not catch fire because the man farted.
Even if the man farted a great deal of combustible gas, there needs to be a spark for there to be any fire. Power banks don’t generate sparks. Phones, even when they are ringing, do not generate sparks – that is just an urban legend.
So flatulence may be combustible, but neither a phone or a power bank will set it off, because neither produce sparks or an open flame.
Fact #4 : Power Bank Apparently Overheated
At the time the incident happened, 29 year-old Lwando Mashiamahle was waiting for his girlfriend to buy a plane ticket at the OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa.
While sitting down to wait, he realised that the power bank in his pocket felt warm. But he didn’t think anything of it, until it suddenly burst into flames.
It felt quite hot in my pocket but I thought it was normal, like sometimes your phone heats up when you’re using it, but I never thought it could explode,
I was so shocked, I didn’t know what to do, I automatically just lost my mind. I was very, very scared.
Mashiamahle was not injured when his power bank burst into flames, because he was able to quickly take off his trousers, and avoid getting burnt.
Fortunately I have no injuries but my pants were burnt and I had to quickly find the nearest shop to buy a new pair.
He is very fortunate, as lithium battery fires are very strong and hard to put out.
Fact #6 : Phone / Power Bank Batteries Are A Fire Risk
Despite claims our phone or smartphone can spark flames in petrol / gas stations, or even cause a gas stove explosion, there is simply no scientific evidence for those urban legends.
The electrodynamic speakers in your phone vibrate to produce sound waves. They do not generate sparks. Without a source of sparks or an open flame, even a gas leak wouldn’t catch fire and explode.
The lithium ion battery in our phone and power bank, however, are a fire hazard. Roughly one in every 10 million lithium-ion batteries will fail and catch fire. That sounds like very low risk, but not when there are BILLIONS of lithium-ion batteries in use around the world!
That is why it is forbidden to pack any device with a lithium-ion battery into luggage that needs to be checked into an aircraft cargo hold. Everyone must carry their phone, computer and power bank using these lithium-based batteries into the cabin, so that if they catch fire, the crew are aware and can quickly put them out.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Truth : FedEx + Southwest Jet Near Collision Video Is From Game!
This is yet another example of MISINFORMATION circulating on WhatsApp, and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
Fact #1 : FedEx + Southwest Jets Did Almost Collide
First, let me confirm that a FedEx cargo plane and a Southwest Airlines jet did almost collide on Saturday, February 4, 2023.
In that incident, air traffic controllers at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport cleared an arriving FedEx Boeing 767 cargo plane to lane, while simultaneously clearing a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 to take off using the same runway!
Air traffic controllers first cleared the Southwest Airlines jet to take-off from runway 18 Left, when the FedEx jet was 3.2 nautical miles (6 km) away.
When the FedEx jet was 2.19 nautical miles (4 km) from the airport, controllers told the FedEx crew to land on the same 18 Left runway.
The FedEx crew later realised that they were about to overfly the Southwest plane, and quickly aborted their landing while telling the Southwest crew to abort their takeoff.
According to Jennifer Homendy, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the two planes almost collided, with a separation of “less than 100 feet (30 metres)”.
I’m very proud of the FedEx flight crew and that pilot. They saved, in my view, 128 people from a potential catastrophe. It was very close, and we believe less than 100 feet.
The near catastrophe apparently happened because the Austin airport is not equipped with Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE). Air traffic controller could see the FedEx jet on radar, but could not see the Southwest Airlines jet taxiing on the ground.
The ASDE system was important in preventing a runway collision in January 2023, between taxiing and departing aircraft at New York’s John F. Kennedy airport.
BREAKING: FedEx cargo plane narrowly misses crashing into Southwest Airlines plane taxiing on runway at Austin International Airport, Texas pic.twitter.com/2KF0ifokRF
While the incident was real, the video isn’t real. The video was created using the 2020 computer game, Microsoft Flight Simulator by Monster21 who posted it on YouTube and TikTok.
On his YouTube channel, Monster21 explicitly pointed out that the video was created on Microsoft Flight Simulator, with the title, “Real incident at Austin on Microsoft Flight Simulator“.
On TikTok though, he posted it with a shorter title of “Real incident at Austin Feb 4th 2023“, but did include a #microsoftflightsimulator2020 hashtag.
Unfortunately, it is being shared as if the video is genuine, just like these other videos created by computer games:
Fact #3 : Video Does Not Accurately Simulate The Event
While the video creator was simulating the close call between the FedEx and Southwest jets based on flight data, it isn’t an accurate depiction.
The video showed that it was a bright and clear day. That’s not accurate because the incident happened at around 6:50 AM. Dawn only broke at 6:55 AM in Austin, Texas on February 4, 2023.
There was also fog at the airport that day. So it would have been rather dark and foggy at the same time, with poor visibility.
That would explain why the FedEx crew did not spot the spot the Southwest jet lining up on the runway much earlier.
While the video is not real and is just a simulation, the audio recording is genuine albeit edited.
The air traffic control audio recording was made available through Live ATC of Austin-Bergstrom Airport’s traffic control, and began at around 6:47 AM.
The full audio recording lasts just over 6 minutes, but was edited to just over 2 minutes by Haemaker to remove dead spots. As he noted – “It did NOT happen this fast“.
The video used the shorter, edited Haemaker audio recording, so it sounds more dramatic than what really happened in real life. Here is how USA Today explains the audio recording:
The FedEx pilot asks the tower if the plane is confirmed to land, to which the controller responds yes and lets the pilot know about the Southwest flight taking off.
About 30 seconds later, the controller asks the Southwest flight to confirm if it is “on the roll.” To which the pilot immediately responds, “Rolling now.”
After about 20 seconds of silence, the tower says, “Southwest abort. FedEx is on the go.”
There’s no response, and nearly nine seconds later, the tower tells the Southwest flight to turn right when able. Southwest immediately responds by saying, “Negative.”
The tower comes back about 17 seconds later and tells the FedEx pilot to climb and maintain 3,000 feet and turn left, which the pilot confirms upon receiving the instruction.
Near the end of the recording, after the FedEx plane has landed and said it cleared the runway, the tower apologizes to the pilot and thanks them for their professionalism.
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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Are criminals using new push pocket tactics to target foreigners and tourists in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia?!
Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!
Claim : KL Criminals Are Using New Push Pocket Tactics!
People are sharing this message about the new Push Pocket crimes in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!
It’s a long message, so feel free to skip to the next section for the facts.
Genuine message posted by a law firm in Malaysia. If you’re going to KL, take note!
PUSH-POCKET IN KUALA LUMPUR
I am sure you all have heard of ‘pick pocket’. A new trend ‘push pocket’. Read on.. for your own good.
A few days ago a new type of crime has surfaced in town. It goes something like this:-
Somebody slips a hand-phone into your pocket, sometimes it could be just a wallet with an identity card and a few ringgit.
A few minutes later, the ‘owner’ comes up and confronts you, the ‘thief ‘. He makes a big commotion that you stole his stuff.
You, caught unaware, are then pulled aside by the ‘owner’ for a settlement. You are intimidated and threatened that if you do not pay up the police will be brought in. If you pay up, this ‘owner’ lets you go. If not, the police are brought in.
Another strange thing is that there always seems to be a ‘witness’ to your ‘theft’.
I am told this often happens to foreigners at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or even at LRT trains. Given that you’re ‘guilty until proven innocent’ as far as the Malaysian police are concerned, I understand some poor people are in jail forthese ‘offences’.
At the KLIA, the ‘owner’ throws his hand-phone and wallet with the few ringgit notes into the luggage trolley of a just arrived passenger. The drama unfolds a few minutes later. The real culprit has easily convinced our Malaysian police to arrest the real victim (if he has not paid up the ‘settlement’ demand). This is a very serious matter.
This is another form of extortionists operating in broad daylight. They are disgusting criminals who will do anything to rob and steal. The sickening part of the whole scenario is that unless you pay the ‘quoted settlement’ money, they will put you in real trouble by calling the police.
The real culprit gets back his hand-phone and wallet but the real victim ( i.e.. could be any one of us) is thrown into the police lock up and charged in court.
So do be very careful, otherwise you may end up as a ‘thief’ as you have no way to prove your innocence.
Pass it on….. Let more people be aware of such things around them.
Truth : KL Criminals Are Not Using New Push Pocket Tactics!
This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and here are the reasons why…
Fact #1 : Push Pocket Is A Form Of Extortion
The so-called Push Pocket tactic is nothing new. It is a type of extortion scam, in which the criminal accuses the victim of being a thief – in a reversal of the usual pickpocket tactic.
A similar kind of tactic, called Zig-Zag, was reportedly being used in airports in Thailand, where tourists were allegedly accused of shoplifting in duty-free shops, and had to pay fees to avoid arrest.
Fact #2 : Viral Push Pocket Message Date Back To 2008
This viral message about the push pocket scam in Kuala Lumpur isn’t new. As far as I can tell, it dates back to at least 2008, when it was even shared on TripAdvisor by worried tourists.
It was given some prominence when The Star asked people to “beware of the push pocket scam” in October 2009. Since then, it has been reposted regularly in forums, on social media platforms, and WhatsApp groups.
Fact #3 : PDRM Has Received No Reports On Such Scams
After the message went viral again in January 2023, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) chimed in on the controversy on January 4, 2023.
PDRM secretary, Deputy Commissioner Datuk Norsiah Mohd Saaduddin said that checks showed PDRM has never received any report about such scams.
The public are urged to not fall for messages that have no basis and are not verified. Sharing or spreading such news can cause unrest and worry amongst the public.
Frankly speaking, it is improbable for such crimes to be committed, at least in airports and LRT or MRT stations, because they are covered by CCTV cameras. Malaysia is also not a lawless country, where police officers are blatantly corrupt and turn a blind eye to such crimes.
If a foreigner is accused of stealing from a local resident, the police in Malaysia will investigate and the CCTV footage will show that the foreign tourist did not steal anything.
And if there’s no CCTV footage, it doesn’t mean the foreign tourist gets jailed automatically. That means there is no evidence the foreign tourist stole the item, and therefore, the police have no right to arrest him/her.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
The FTX drama continues as SBF was seen flying business class, while Judge Ronnie Abrams recused herself from the case!
Judge Ronnie Abrams Recuses From SBF FTX Case!
The FTX drama continues with the shocking announcement by US District Judge Ronnie Abrams over a potential conflict of interest.
On Friday afternoon, December 23, Federal Judge Ronnie Abrams of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York recused herself from the FTX case.
The judge’s husband, Greg D. Andres, is a partner at the law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell, which advised FTX in 2021. Though Andres himself did not personally advise FTX, Abrams chose to recuse herself from the case “to avoid any possible conflict, or the appearance of one.”
The order also stated that Davis Polk & Wardwell previously represented parties “that may be adverse to FTX and Defendant Bankman-Fried,” though Andres allegedly did not represent those clients either.
RONNIE ABRAMS, United States District Judge:
It has come to the Court’s attention that the law firm of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, at which my husband is a partner, advised FTX in 2021, as well as represented parties that may be adverse to FTX and Defendant Bankman-Fried in other proceedings (or potential proceedings). My husband has had no involvement in any of these representations. These matters are confidential and their substance is unknown to the Court. Nonetheless, to avoid any possible conflict, or the appearance of one, the Court hereby recuses itself from this action. See 28
U.S.C. § 455.
This decision came just one day after Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) was released from custody pending trial on eight criminal charges including wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and violations of federal campaign finance laws.
It is unknown why Judge Ronnie Abrams chose to wait until now to recuse herself from the FTX case. But it should be pointed that it was a different judge – Gabrial Gorenstein, who approved the record-setting $250 million bond that did not require SBF to pay a single cent up front.
A new judge from the Southern District of New York will now have to be selected to oversee Sam Bankman-Fried’s trial.
SBF Free + Flying Business On “No Cash Up Front” FTX Case Bail!
In the meantime, the disgraced FTX co-founder was spotted “chilling” in the American Airlines Greenwich Business Class lounge located at Terminal 8 of the John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City.
Sam Bankman-Fried was accompanied by his parents, FBI agents and lawyers. He had full access to what looks like an Acer Predator gaming laptop, and a smartphone. When he was asked for a photo, SBF replied, “Haha maybe not today“.
You may recall that, on December 9, SBF claimed that he did not have access to (much of) his professional or personal data, despite having obvious access to a laptop and a mobile phone.
1) I still do not have access to much of my data — professional or personal. So there is a limit to what I will be able to say, and I won’t be as helpful as I’d like. But as the committee still thinks it would be useful, I am willing to testify on the 13th.
SBF was later spotted in the Business class section of an American Airlines flight, “disguised with a beanie”. He appeared to be engaged in conversation with a suited executive.
The suited executive could be his lawyer, Mark Cohen, who may have been accompanying the disgraced FTX co-founder to his parents’ home in Palo Alto, California, where he has to serve his house arrest while awaiting trial.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Three baggage handlers at Melbourne Airport were just caught on video trashing bags from a Qantas flight!
Take a look at the viral video, and find out what the facts really are!
Melbourne Baggage Handlers Caught Trashing Bags!
Three baggage handlers at Melbourne Airport were just caught on video trashing bags from a Qantas flight!
In the viral video, the three baggage handlers wearing high-visibility jackets were filmed lifting bags out of Qantas baggage containers before slamming the bags onto the conveyor belt.
One man was seen intentionally lifting a bag over his head to slam it forcefully onto the conveyor belt. He later threw another bag so hard it bounced off the conveyor belt completely.
At least three bags were seen falling off the conveyor belt in that minute-long video.
The three baggage handlers were identified as employees of Qantas subcontractor Swissport, which provided its “ground handling services” at Melbourne Airport.
In 2021, Qantas outsourced ground handling operations at 10 Australian airports, including Melbourne, to third-party companies like Swissport.
A Qantas spokesperson commented on the viral video, “The behaviour in this video is clearly not acceptable, and our contracted ground handler is conducting an urgent investigation.”
They were immediately “stood down” and will not work on Qantas flights again, although it appears that they remain Swissport employees pending an investigation:
Swissport trains and manages all staff to handle customer possessions with care and diligence.
The actions of staff in the video appear to have contravened those service level standards.
As a result, the staff in question have been stood down pending an urgent investigation.
Swissport’s remedial actions aside, this incident demonstrates the need for airports to implement CCTV cameras to watch over baggage handling operations.
Even better if they make those CCTV feeds public, so people waiting for their luggage can see how well their bags are being treated.
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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Acclaimed South Korean visual artist Kim Jung Gi just died of a heart attack, not vaccine-induced sudden adult death syndrome!
Claim : Kim Jung Gi Died From COVID-19 Vaccine SADS!
Right after news broke that Kim Jung Gi died suddenly in Paris, anti-vaccination activists quickly claimed that the acclaimed visual artist and Guinness World Record holder died from vaccine-induced Sudden Adult Death Syndrome!
Here is a selection of social media posts accompanying links or articles on his death:
The covid jab killed Kim Jung Gi. Should not have had to spell it out for you. Use your brain.
Ima say it now. Not disrespectful at all. But the vaccine might have killed Kim jung gi. This vaccine making people have sudden deaths for no underlying health conditions
The prospect of Kim Jung Gi’s life being cut short by pulmonary issues as a result of being injected with the covid mRNA injection should infuriate you. But it doesn’t.
Truth : Kim Jung Gi Died Of Heart Attack, Not SADS!
It’s becoming a tradition for anti-vaccination activists to immediately blame all celebrity deaths or illnesses on the COVID-19 vaccine.
This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created and propagated by anti-vaccination activists, and here are the reasons why… and the current facts that we know so far.
Fact #1 : Kim Jung Gi Died Of Heart Attack
47 year-old Kim Jung Gi was at the airport in Paris on 3 October 2022, when he complained of chest pains.
The Guinness World Record holder (for longest drawing by an individual) had just concluded an exhibition of his work, and was waiting to to board a flight to New York for Comic Con.
He was transported to a nearby hospital for surgery, but passed away. His death was announced by his collaborator Hyun Jin Kim on his official social media account:
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we inform you of the sudden passing of Kim Jung Gi. After finishing his last schedule in Europe, Jung Gi went to the airport to fly to New York, where he experienced chest pains and was taken to a nearby hospital for surgery, but sadly passed away.
October 3, 2022
After having done so much for us, you can now put down your brushes. Thank you Jung Gi.
October 5, 2022 Hyun Jin Kim
The Daniel Maghen Gallery, where Kim Jung Gi was exhibiting in Paris, also confirmed in an Instagram post that his cause of death was a heart attack.
It is with a great sadness that we inform you of the death of Kim Jung Gi on Monday evening in Paris. The South Korean artist died after a heart attack at the age of 47.
His sudden disappearance contrasts with the immense happiness he brought us. We are speechless.
Daniel Maghen, the entire gallery team, and particularly Olivier Souillé, who had accompanied him for ten years, are terribly affected by his loss.
All our thoughts are turned to his family, his wife and his two children, his friends, his collaborators Kim Hyun Jin, Boin Lee, Jean-Christophe Caurette… and his fans, for whom his disappearance will leave a great void.
Neither his family, his friends nor people working with Kim Jung Gi ever claimed that the renowned artist died from the COVID-19 vaccine, or the sudden adult death syndrome (also known as the sudden arrhythmic death syndrome).
Some Indian / Pakistani blogs like NewsWizal and PassengerNews24 claimed that Kim Jung Gi was not vaccinated against COVID-19, “according to South Korea’s intelligence service”.
Never mind the fact that South Korean intelligence services are not keeping track of their citizens’ vaccination status, or the fact that they somehow have access to foreign intelligence reports, they appear to be confusing the South Korean artist with a female South Korean actress.
It is currently unknown if Kim Jung Gi was vaccinated against COVID-19, because it is not mandatory in South Korea, despite what anti-vaccination activists may c laim.
However, Kim Jung Gi is likely fully-vaccinated against COVID-19, as he was about to fly to New York when he died.
The United States currently require non-residents to be fully-vaccinated to travel to the US. While it is possible to travel to the United States with a vaccine exemption, it is more than likely that Kim Jung Gi was fully-vaccinated.
Fact #3 : Kim Jung Gi Was Well Before Complaining Of Chest Pains
Kim Jung Gi appeared to be in good health, during his exhibition at the Daniel Maghen Gallery, and on the way to the airpot.
That tells us that he isn’t suffering from vaccine-induced myocarditis, which would have left him breathless and fatigued, with cardiac symptoms like chest pain, irregular heart beat, etc.
His complaint of sudden and severe chest pain is a classic symptom of a heart attack. If he suffered a cardiac arrest, he would have just collapsed, which was what happened to Coolio just days earlier.
He also did not suffer from pulmonary issues as claimed by some anti-vaccination activists, which would have resulted in breathing difficulties.
Fact #4 : Vaccine Side Effects Appear Within Hours / Days
Kim Jung Gi likely received his COVID-19 vaccinations months ago.
He cannot possibly have died from a vaccine side effect, because they appear within hours or days, not months later.
Mild side effects like injection site pain, fever, muscle ache, headache, lethargy develop within minutes to hours of the vaccination.
Anaphylaxis develops within minutes, while other severe adverse reactions like myocarditis and VITT develop within days.
The spike proteins produced by the COVID-19 vaccines also do not stick around for months. If these spike proteins are permanent (as antivaxxers claim), we would have lifelong immunity.
Your own immune system will identify the spike proteins as foreign, and destroy them within a matter of days, although some may last for up to a few weeks. This is part of how vaccines teach your immune system to identify the enemy and destroy it.
Fact #5 : COVID-19 Vaccines Do NOT Cause SADS
It is ludicrous to claim that COVID-19 vaccines cause sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS), because SADS was first documented in 1977 – long before COVID-19 vaccines were invented!
Despite what anti-vaccination activists may tell you – SADS is not a new vaccine-related syndrome.
SADS is an inherited problem with your heart’s electrical system, which produces an abnormal heart rhythm that leads to a cardiac arrest. That’s why it can be prevented by implanting a cardioverter-defribillator.
SADS also occurs at a rate of 0.12 to 0.21 per 100,000 people every single year. In other words, approximately 9,000 to 16,000 people die from SADS every single year, before the COVID-19 vaccines were invented.
The UK Office for National Statistics data on Sudden Adult Deaths from 2016 to 2020 also showed NO INCREASE in SADS cases, demonstrating that COVID-19 vaccines did not increase the prevalence of SADS.
Note : There is no 2021 data until sometime in December 2022. The 2020 data was only released on 22 December 2021.
Vaccination in the United Kingdom started on 8 December 2020, with over a million doses administered by end of the month. Despite (false) claims that the vaccines cause SADS, that did not result in an increase in SADS cases.
Years
Sudden Adult Death
Syndrome Cases
2016
116
2017
63
2018
53
2019
87
2020
115
Fact #6 : Deaths / Injuries From COVID-19 Vaccines Can Be Proven
Despite anti-vaccination activists chalking up celebrity deaths to the vaccine; death or injury from rare vaccine adverse effects like anaphylaxis, myocarditis and VITT can be proven.
Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) from Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines happens within minutes. That’s why people are asked to wait for 15-30 minutes after getting the vaccine. People who get an anaphylactic shock will require an epinephrine shot to quickly relieve it.
Vaccine-induced myocarditis has distinct histopathology findings that are different from typical myocarditis, so a pathologist will be able to determine if the myocarditis was caused by the vaccines or otherwise.
Vaccine-induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT) is very specific to the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. It is also easily differentiated by its unique combination of blood clots in large veins of the brains, abdomen and lungs, together with low platelet counts leading to bleeding tendencies.
COVID-19 vaccines underwent massive clinical trials, and were only approved after they were proven to be safe and effective.
In addition, they were constantly monitored after they received their approvals, which picked up rare side effects after they were administered to billions of people.
Anti-vaccination activists have often claimed that those who received the vaccine would die. Yet, the opposite was true – the vaccines are not only safe, they are effective in protecting people from getting hospitalised or dying from COVID-19.
Even prominent antivaxxer Steve Kirsch is healthy and well, despite being fully-vaccinated against COVID-19!
Fact #8 : Claims Of Celebrities Injured By COVID-19 Vaccine Proven False
This is yet another example of anti-vaccination activists abusing celebrity deaths / injuries to create and propagate FAKE NEWS about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.
So far, claims of celebrity deaths / injuries due to the COVID-19 vaccine have been proven false at every instance.
Will these anti-vaccination activists apologise for lying to you? Nope! They will just move on to the next celebrity tragedy…
Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!
Don’t forget to protect yourself, and your family, by vaccinating against COVID-19!
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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Passengers are no longer required to wear a face mask onboard planes flying to and from Malaysia! Here is what you need to know…
Malaysia : Face Mask No Longer Mandatory On Planes!
On 28 September 2022, the Minister of Health Khairy Jamaluddin announced that passengers are no longer required to wear a face mask on planes flying to and from Malaysia, except when they are compulsory in destination countries.
With immediate effect (28 September 2022), passengers onboard commercial flights are no longer required to wear a face mask.
This move follows the Ministry’s earlier move to relax face mask requirements in public indoor spaces on 7 September 2022.
Based on the current assessment of the Covid-19 situation and taking into account the latest requirements, the ministry has decided that face masks are no longer mandatory when on board aircraft.
– Khairy Jamaluddin, Malaysia Minister of Health
However, the Malaysia Ministry of Health (KKM) still strongly encourages the use of face masks for these groups of passengers :
individuals with symptoms like fever, cough and flu
high-risk individuals like senior citizens, those with chronic diseases, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women
those travelling with high-risk individuals like senior citizens and children
In addition, passengers may still be required by the destination country to wear a face mask. So bring along a face mask just in case, even if you prefer not to wear one during your flight.
The requirement to wear a face mask on an aeroplane is still subject to conditions set by the country being visited.
Face Mask No Longer Mandatory On Malaysia Airlines + AirAsia Planes!
Following the Malaysian government’s announcement, both Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and AirAsia announced the next day that their passengers will no longer be required to wear a face mask, with immediate effect.
Malaysia Airlines
Effective immediately, passengers of Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, MASwings, and AMAL are no longer required to wear face masks onboard, except where compulsory in destination countries.
The relaxation of the face mask mandate follows the Ministry of Health Malaysia’s guideline on 28 September 2022 to remove the mask requirement onboard commercial aircraft.
The use of face masks is however strongly recommended for the following group of passengers:
Passengers with symptoms such as fever, cough and cold.
High-risk passengers such as the elderly, people with chronic diseases.
Passengers with low immunity and pregnant mothers; and
Passengers who travel with high-risk people such as elderly and children.
All MAG airlines are committed to providing a safe and smooth end-to-end travel experience in accordance with its MHFlySafe commitment, allowing customers to fly confidently.
Airline protective measures include:
The cabin air circulation system, where cabin air is refreshed 20-30 times an hour
The use of High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter that can filter 99.9% of airborne contaminants, including viruses and bacteria.
Frequent aircraft cleaning disinfection following guidelines prescribed by the Ministry of Health Malaysia and the World Health Organization
Aircrafts are operated by fully vaccinated pilots and cabin crew.
AirAsia
Following the announcement by the Malaysian government that face masks are no longer mandatory on flights, AirAsia Malaysia (AK) has exempted the use of face masks on its flights effective immediately.
The use of face masks on board flights is optional for AirAsia Malaysia (AK) guests, unless they are travelling to or from destinations that require a face mask. Guests who wish to wear a face mask on board may continue to do so.
As safety is our highest priority, AirAsia will continue to operate with the strictest safety standards. All our aircraft are equipped with powerful HEPA filters that remove 99.99% of dust particles and airborne contaminants including viruses and bacteria. The cabin air is completely refreshed every three minutes to ensure the highest possible quality of air throughout your flight.
We will continue to update the guidelines on the use of face masks on board for all other markets that we operate in as we return to the skies.
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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Flights in and out of Beijing are now back to normal, dealing yet another blow to rumours of a military coup in China!
Claim : Beijing Flights Were Cancelled By Coup In China!
The Internet has been abuzz for days with claims that there is a military coup underway in China, after over 6,000 domestic and international flights in and out of Beijing were just cancelled!
On top of that, about 60% of flights (about 9,583 flights) were cancelled across China on Wednesday, 21 September 2022.
Beijing Capital International Airport canceled 622 flights, with a 60% cancellation rate.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport had 652 cancelations of flights, with a 54% cancellation rate
Shenzhen Baoan Airport’s 542 flights were canceled, with a 51% cancellation rate
Guiyang Longdongbao Airport (Guizhou Province): 539 flights canceled, with a 99% cancellation rate
Lhasa Gongga Airport (Tibet): 157 flights canceled, with a 98% cancellation rate
Chengdu Tianfu Airport (Sichuan Province): 752 flights canceled, with a 87% cancellation rate
Urumqi Diwobao Airport (Xinjiang): 476 flights; with a 79% cancellation rate
Tianjin Binhai International Airport (about 84 miles east of Beijing): 353 flights; with a 74% cancellation rate
Harbin Taiping Airport (Heilongjiang Province): 275 flights canceled; with a 56% cancellation rate
Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (Shaanxi Province): 555 flights canceled; with a 56% cancellation rate
Nanjing Lukou International Airport (Jiangsu Province): 378 flights canceled; with a 54% cancellation rate
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (Guangdong Province): 560 flights canceled, with a 40% cancellation rate
The number of flights to and from Beijing continued to decline from Wednesday until Saturday.
Although flights in and out of Beijing continued to be few through the weekend, it was soon restored by Monday, 26 September 2022.
The flight tracking site flightradar24 now shows air traffic back to normal at the Beijing Capital International Airport, and the Beijing Daxing International Airport.
Other airports across China were also operating as normal, with no mass cancellations that we saw earlier.
There has been no official word on why so many flights were cancelled, but flight cancellations are rather common in China. This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, when flights have been grounded with little or no warning.
While most of the world is relaxing COVID-19 measures and opening up, China is still persisting with its Zero COVID policy. Hence, it is certainly possible that those flights are being cancelled to protect Beijing from COVID-19 outbreaks / surges in other parts of China.
The Beijing Capital International Airport, incidentally, regularly ranks as one of the airports with the most cancellations in the world.
The Chinese news portal Netease said that the cancellations were mainly due to the recent COVID-19 surges in multiple provinces in China, which makes quite a lot of sense.
Beijing is preparing to host 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on 16 October 2022.
This is a major twice-a-decade meeting for the CCP, and one in which President Xi Jinping is expected to be re-elected as General Secretary for an unprecedented third term.
While the 20th National Congress is really just a rubber-stamp event, it is critical for President Xi that his Zero COVID policy is seen to work. Hence, it is critical that Beijing has no COVID-19 outbreak at that time.
This mass cancellation of flights must be a military directive. Air traffic control authority is decided by the Chinese military, which in turn gives instructions to civil aviation management. The airspace is set aside so that military aircraft can fly at will. This is military planning, or at least with military prep.
However, these “evidence” of a coup in China have not withstood serious analysis.
There is no evidence of an 80 km-long military convoy entering Beijing.
The viral video shows a minute or so of several military vehicles travelling on a highway, nothing more.
There is no evidence of any lockdown of Beijing, which would certainly occur during a military coup.
While there was a large number of cancelled flights in Beijing airports, quite a number of commercial flights were still allowed to fly in and out.
Airports in the rest of China were generally functioning normally, even though there were some cancelled flights.
Flight cancellation is pretty common in China, especially when it comes to COVID-19 mitigation.
Commercial air traffic in and out of Beijing was restored by Monday, 26 September 2022.
Xi Jinping issued two letters a day after he was supposedly under house arrest after being overthrown.
Sun Lijun and his anti-Xi Jinping “political clique” were sentenced to long jail sentences.
CCP delegates were “elected” as expected, together with Xi Jinping himself.
CCP mouthpiece, the People’s Daily, reaffirmed Xi Jinping as the party’s “core”.
To top it off, the CCP is continuing its business as usual, firming up support for Xi Jinping’s third term at the upcoming CCP Congress.
The People’s Daily editorial seals the case for Xi Jinping’s toppling in a military coup. That was nothing more than the wishful thinking of netizens who despise him, fuelled by unverified claims.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Are thousands of flights into and out of Beijing being cancelled because a military coup is underway?!
Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!
Claim : Beijing Flights Are Getting Cancelled By Military Coup!
The Internet is abuzz with claims that there is a military coup underway in China, with an 80 km military convoy heading for Beijing!
Many also believe that this was evidence of a military coup in China – over 6,000 domestic and international flights into and out of Beijing were just cancelled!
On top of that, about 60% of flights (about 9,583 flights) were cancelled across China on Wednesday, 21 September 2022.
Beijing Capital International Airport canceled 622 flights, with a 60% cancellation rate.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport had 652 cancelations of flights, with a 54% cancellation rate
Shenzhen Baoan Airport’s 542 flights were canceled, with a 51% cancellation rate
Guiyang Longdongbao Airport (Guizhou Province): 539 flights canceled, with a 99% cancellation rate
Lhasa Gongga Airport (Tibet): 157 flights canceled, with a 98% cancellation rate
Chengdu Tianfu Airport (Sichuan Province): 752 flights canceled, with a 87% cancellation rate
Urumqi Diwobao Airport (Xinjiang): 476 flights; with a 79% cancellation rate
Tianjin Binhai International Airport (about 84 miles east of Beijing): 353 flights; with a 74% cancellation rate
Harbin Taiping Airport (Heilongjiang Province): 275 flights canceled; with a 56% cancellation rate
Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (Shaanxi Province): 555 flights canceled; with a 56% cancellation rate
Nanjing Lukou International Airport (Jiangsu Province): 378 flights canceled; with a 54% cancellation rate
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (Guangdong Province): 560 flights canceled, with a 40% cancellation rate
The number of flights to and from Beijing continue to decline from Wednesday until Saturday.
Truth : Beijing Flights Are NOT Getting Cancelled By Military Coup!
This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS that started as a rumour, but was used to generate page views for rumour / fake news websites.
Here are the reasons why… and what we know so far!
Fact #1 : Flights Are Being Cancelled In Beijing
First, let me confirm that the claims of mass flight cancellations into or out of Beijing are correct.
The flight tracking site flightradar24, for example, shows that the Beijing Capital International Airport and the Beijing Daxing International Airport have more or less come to a standstill with very few flights taking off, or landing.
Fact #2 : Some Flights Continue In + Out Of Beijing
While many scheduled flights at the airports either have a Cancelled status, or listed as Unknown, there continue to be some flights flying in and out of both airports.
It was not a total lockdown of the airspace around Beijing, as some have claimed. This would suggest that a military coup is not underway.
Fact #3 : Other Chinese Airports Are Operating Normally
According to flightradar24, other major airports in China, like the Shanghai and Hong Kong airports, appear to be operating normally, although some flights have been cancelled.
It seems rather unlikely that coup plotters would allow airports to continue operating while trying to take over the country.
Fact #4 : Flight Cancellations Are Common In China
There has been no official word on why so many flights were cancelled, but flight cancellations are rather common in China. This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, when flights have been grounded with little or no warning.
While most of the world is relaxing COVID-19 measures and opening up, China is still persisting with its Zero COVID policy. Hence, it is certainly possible that those flights are being cancelled to protect Beijing from COVID-19 outbreaks / surges in other parts of China.
The Beijing Capital International Airport, incidentally, regularly ranks as one of the airports with the most cancellations in the world.
Fact #5 : Cancellations Could Possibly Be Due To COVID-19
The Chinese news portal Netease said that the cancellations were mainly due to the recent COVID-19 surges in multiple provinces in China, which makes quite a lot of sense.
Beijing is preparing to host 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on 16 October 2022.
This is a major twice-a-decade meeting for the CCP, and one in which President Xi Jinping is expected to be re-elected as General Secretary for an unprecedented third term.
While the 20th National Congress is really just a rubber-stamp event, it is critical for President Xi that his Zero COVID policy is seen to work. Hence, it is critical that Beijing has no COVID-19 outbreak at that time.
This mass cancellation of flights must be a military directive. Air traffic control authority is decided by the Chinese military, which in turn gives instructions to civil aviation management. The airspace is set aside so that military aircraft can fly at will. This is military planning, or at least with military prep.
Fact #7 : No Evidence Of Military Coup In China
Outside of these flight cancellations and an 80 km military convoy, there really isn’t any actual evidence of a military coup in China.
If a military coup did occur, Beijing would be under martial law, with no flights allowed in and out. That would include a lockdown or curfew with military roadblocks all over Beijing and the rest of China.
These are all “noisy” actions that would be clearly visible, not only to the Chinese public but the entire world as well, especially in a time of smartphones and social media.
Yet, there was no mention of anything remotely close to a military coup of any kind, in any mainstream media or social media, either inside or outside of China.
It may be possible to keep a lid on such a major event in North Korea – the hermit kingdom, but not in China. Not even with the Great Firewall (防火长城).
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
All travellers to Malaysia will no longer be required to obtain the Traveller’s Pass in MySejahtera!
Here is what you need to know…
Currently : Foreign Travellers Need Traveller’s Pass To Enter Malaysia!
Since 1 May 2022, the Malaysian government has liberalised air travel into Malaysia, waiving both quarantine and insurance requirements.
However, they still require foreign travellers to fill in their details in MySejahtera, to obtain a Traveller’s Pass, prior to departure.
Download the MySejahtera app, and register for your MySejahtera account.
Click on the Traveller icon in MySejahtera, and complete the pre-departure form
a) fully-vaccinated travellers will receive a Digital Traveller’s Card
b) partially vaccinated / unvaccinated travellers will receive a Digital Home Surveillance Order (HSO).
Now : Traveller’s Pass No Longer Required To Travel To Malaysia!
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced on 31 July 2022 that all travellers will no longer be required to obtain the Traveller’s Pass.
Starting Monday, 1 August 2022, all travellers to Malaysia – citizens and foreigners alike – will no longer be required to fill in their details using the Traveller option in MySejahtera, to obtain a Traveller’s Pass or Digital Home Surveillance Order (HSO).
With this relaxation, travelling to Malaysia will essentially return to pre-pandemic norms. All you need to enter Malaysia is a valid passport, and a visa (if required).
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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Now : Malaysia Gives 2nd Booster To 50+ Years + Travellers!
On 19 July 2022, the Malaysia Minister of Health, Khairy Jamaluddin, announced that the government will now offer the 2nd booster dose to :
individuals those who are 50 years and older, even if they do not have co-morbidities, and
individuals who are planning to travel overseas
The group in the 50-59 age bracket without any chronic diseases and anyone 50 and below who wants to travel overseas can receive second vaccine boosters.
As announced earlier, the second booster dose will continue to be offered to high-risk individuals living in long-term care facilities, adults 18 years and older with co-morbidities, and COVID-19 frontliners.
at least 4-6 months after the first booster dose for senior citizens,
at least 3 months after recovery for senior citizens who had a COVID-19 infection,
and at least 1 month after the first booster dose for Sinovac / SInopharm recipients.
This second booster dose is optional, and is not compulsory. Your vaccination status will not change, whether you take the second booster dose or not.
You can either book your booster dose appointment on MySejahtera, or look for a nearby private healthcare facility offering a booster dose.
These booster doses are offered for FREE by the Malaysian government, as part of the PICK vaccination programme.
Why 2nd Booster Dose For Travellers Leaving Malaysia?
Even though many countries have opened up their economies, and even to travellers; the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over.
Many countries are now facing spikes in COVID-19 cases, thanks to new Omicron subvariants that are highly contagious, and evade protection from both previous infections and vaccinations.
Thus, a second booster dose before travelling overseas will offer a short but useful boost in antibodies that could protect travellers as they fly out of Malaysia into other countries.
This is particularly important for those who received the Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines. Both Chinese vaccines offer markedly lower protection, which quickly wane over a matter of weeks.
A Yale University study, for example, showed that Sinovac vaccine recipients will require TWO Pfizer booster doses, to adequately protect against the Omicron variant.
Therefore, if you received Sinovac / Sinopharm vaccine earlier, I highly recommend that you get the booster doses, even if you are not planning to travel overseas.
There is also a more practical consideration for people travelling overseas – some countries in Europe do not recognise the Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines, both as a primary series vaccine or a booster dose.
Therefore, they will be allowed to obtain a second booster dose, at least one month after receiving their first booster dose.
Please Support My Work!
Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Here are the LATEST COVID-19 requirements and SOP for those plan to travel by air to Malaysia!
Updated @ 2022-07-03 : Malaysian citizens are no longer required to register for Traveller’s Pass.
Updated @ 2022-06-13 : Added the current COVID-19 vaccination requirements Originally posted @ 2022-04-28
Malaysia Air Travel : Current COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements
Currently, travellers to Malaysia must provide documentation that they have completed a full regimen of a COVID-19 vaccine recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), or by a stringent regulatory authority in the country of origin.
There are additional requirements on COVID-19 vaccination for travellers :
Those aged 60 years and above are required to receive a booster dose.
Those received two doses of Sinopharm or Sinovac vaccine, regardless of age, must receive a third dose (of any vaccine) to qualify as fully-vaccinated.
The definition of a full regimen of a COVID-19 vaccine includes the number of doses required to provide the full vaccine protection, as well as the time needed to achieve protection against COVID-19.
Currently, that means 14 days after the second dose of a two (2) dose vaccine, or 14 days after a one (1) dose vaccine. In the case of Sinopharm / Sinovac vaccine recipients, that would mean 14 days after the third dose.
You are also considered fully-vaccinated immediately after receiving your booster dose.
Please make sure you submit your vaccination information through the Travellers option in MySejahtera, before your flight to Malaysia.
After submitting your COVID-19 vaccination details, you will receive a Travellers digital card, which allows you entry into Malaysia on arrival.
Malaysia Air Travel Test + Quarantine Rules From 1 May 2022!
On 27 April 2022, the Malaysia Minister of Health Khairy Jamaluddin announced new test and quarantine rules for travellers flying to Malaysia.
These COVID-19 test and quarantine rules take effect from Sunday, 1 May 2022 onwards!
A. Children 12 Years Or Younger : No Test, No Quarantine!
Irrespective of their vaccination status, children who are 12 years old or younger do NOT need to :
undergo pre-departure test
undergo on-arrival test, or
undergo HSO quarantine
B. Fully-Vaccinated 13 Years Or Older : No Test, No Quarantine!
Fully-vaccinated adolescents and adults who are 13 years or older do NOT need to :
undergo pre-departure test
undergo on-arrival test, or
undergo HSO quarantine
C. Partially-Vaccinated / Unvaccinated 13-17 Years Old : No Quarantine!
Adolescents who are 13-17 years old, and are partially vaccinated or unvaccinated do NOT need to undergo HSO quarantine on arrival in Malaysia.
However, they will need to undergo :
a PCR test within 48 hours before departure to Malaysia, and
a supervised RTK-Ag test within 24 hours of arrival in Malaysia.
D. Vaccinated Adults : No Test, No Quarantine!
Fully-vaccinated adults (18 years and older), with or without a booster dose, do NOT need to :
undergo pre-departure test
undergo on-arrival test, or
undergo HSO quarantine
E. Unvaccinated with Medical Exemption : No Quarantine!
Unvaccinated individuals with a medical exemption will be allowed, on a case-by-case basis, to travel to Malaysia without a mandatory quarantine.
However, they must undergo :
a PCR test within 48 hours before departure to Malaysia, and
a professional RTK-Ag test within 24 hours of arrival in Malaysia.
F. Unvaccinated Adults : 5 Day Quarantine
Adult travellers (18 years and older) who are partially-vaccinated, or completely unvaccinated, must :
undergo a 5-day mandatory quarantine on arrival in Malaysia, and
undergo a PCR test on Day 4, or a professional RTK-Ag test on Day 5.
Travellers who are exempt from vaccination for health reasons must upload the evidence of medical exemption into the MySejahtera app.
G. Unvaccinated + Post COVID-19 : 5 Day Quarantine
Unvaccinated individuals who recovered from COVID-19 (infected in the last 6-60 days) must:
undergo a 5-day mandatory quarantine on arrival in Malaysia, and
undergo a PCR test on Day 4, or a professional RTK-Ag test on Day 5.
If they were not hospitalised, they must undergo :
a professional RTK-Ag test within 48 hours before departure to Malaysia, and
a professional RTK-Ag test within 24 hours of arrival in Malaysia.
If they were hospitalised, they can use a Fit To Travel letter from the hospital.
Latest Malaysia Air Travel Procedure From 4 July 2022!
On 27 April 2022, the Malaysia Ministry of Health issued the official procedure for travellers who arrive by air, that will take effect from 1 May 2022 onwards.
Download the MySejahtera app, and register for your MySejahtera account. *
Click on the Traveller icon in MySejahtera, and complete the pre-departure form
a) fully-vaccinated travellers will receive a Digital Traveller’s Card *
b) partially vaccinated / unvaccinated travellers will receive a Digital Home Surveillance Order (HSO).
All unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers 13 years and above must undergo a PCR test 2 days before departure.
Those who had a previous COVID-19 infection (within 6-60 days before departure) must undergo a professional RTK-Ag test 2 days before departure, or alternatively, have a Free-To-Travel letter if they were hospitalised for COVID-19 during that time.
You do NOT need to purchase travel and COVID-19 insurance.
All partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers 13 years and above must undergo a supervised RTK-Ag test within 24 hours of arrival in Malaysia.
a) this supervised RTK-Ag test can be performed at any health facility of your choice, or virtually
b) COVID-19 breathalyser / professional RTK-Ag tests are available at the airport
c) Cost of on-arrival RTK-Ag test must be borne by the travellers.
Children below the age of 13, and travellers from Singapore are exempted from the on-arrival test.
Partially-vaccinated / unvaccinated travellers must undergo a mandatory 5-day quarantine.
IMPORTANT : Travellers transiting through Malaysian international airports to Sabah or Sarawak must undergo professional RTK-Ag at the airport, before departing.
Testing Positive On Arrival
If you test positive on arrival, you must undergo a mandatory HSO quarantine of 7 days.
You can opt for the new Day 4 test and release procedure, by undertaking a supervised RTK-Ag test on Day 4 of your quarantine.
If you test negative, you are allowed to immediately terminate your quarantine.
If you test positive, you must complete your 7-day quarantine
If you are a partially vaccinated / unvaccinated traveller, you will need to undergo a 5-day quarantine, and get tested on Day 4 (PCR) or Day 5 (RTK-Ag).
If you test positive on Day 4 or Day 5, your quarantine will get extended for 5 more days.
Malaysia Air Travel Test + Quarantine SOP : Summary
To make it easier to compare the myriad air travel requirements to Malaysia, I created this table to summarise the key requirements.
Vaccination Status
Pre-Departure
On Arrival
Additional Test or Quarantine
Child (< 13 Years) *
No Test Required
No Test
No Quarantine
Fully Vaccinated (≥ 13 Years)
Partially-Vaccinated or
Unvaccinated (13-17 Years)
PCR test
within 2 days
Supervised
RTK-Ag
within 24 hours
of arrival
On-Arrival
Professional
RTK-Ag
for travellers
transiting to
Sabah or
Sarawak
Not Vaccinated with
Medical Exemption
Partially Vaccinated or
Unvaccinated (≥18 Years)
5-Day Quarantine
with
Day 4 PCR or
Day 5 RTK
Partially Vaccinated
or Unvaccinated + Post-COVID-19
(6-60 Days)
Professional
RTK-Ag
within 2 days
or FTT letter **
if hospitalised
* By year of birth
** Also professional RTK-Ag if recovered from COVID-19 infection 6-60 days before departure
*** FTT = Fit To Travel
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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Citizens returning to Malaysia will no longer be required to obtain the Traveller’s Pass in MySejahtera!
Here is what you need to know…
Currently : MySejahtera Traveller’s Pass Required To Enter Malaysia!
Since 1 May 2022, the Malaysian government has liberalised air travel into Malaysia, waiving both quarantine and insurance requirements.
However, they still require all travellers to fill in their details in MySejahtera, to obtain a Traveller’s Pass, prior to departure.
Download the MySejahtera app, and register for your MySejahtera account.
Click on the Traveller icon in MySejahtera, and complete the pre-departure form
a) fully-vaccinated travellers will receive a Digital Traveller’s Card
b) partially vaccinated / unvaccinated travellers will receive a Digital Home Surveillance Order (HSO).
This requirement applies to both citizens and foreigners alike – everyone must apply using the Traveller option in MySejahtera.
Now : Malaysian Citizens Don’t Need MySejahtera Traveller’s Pass!
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced on 1 July 2022 that Malaysian citizens will no longer be required to obtain the Traveller’s Pass.
Starting Monday, 4 July 2022, travellers to Malaysia will no longer be required to fill in their details using the Traveller option in MySejahtera, to obtain a Traveller’s Pass or Digital Home Surveillance Order (HSO).
However, this is currently limited only to Malaysian citizens. The government will gradually extend this privilege to other groups like social pass holders, students, and permanent residents.
Therefore, all travellers who are not Malaysian citizens must continue to fill in their details using the Traveller option in MySejahtera, and obtain the Traveller’s Pass.
Please Support My Work!
Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
China just relaxed entry requirements, by slashing more than half of its COVID-19 international travel quarantine!
Here is what you need to know…
China Slashes COVID-19 International Travel Quarantine!
On June 28, 2022, the Chinese National Health Commission announced a reduction of China’s quarantine requirement for international travellers.
China had earlier mandated that most inbound travellers must undergo a 14 + 7 quarantine protocol – at least 14 days at a government quarantine facility, followed by 7 days of self-isolation at home.
The new quarantine requirement will be a much shorter 7 + 3 protocol – travellers only need to spend 7 days at a quarantine facility, followed by 3 days of self-isolation at home.
Shorter Travel Quarantine, But China Still Maintaining Zero COVID
While China has relaxed its international travel quarantine requirements, that doesn’t mean it is going to quit its Zero COVID policy.
On the same day China announced the shorter quarantine policy, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed the Zero COVID policy on a visit to the Wuhan – where the pandemic started.
According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, he said that he would rather “temporarily sacrifice a little economic growth” than “harm people’s health“.
This announcement came one day after Beijing Daily – the official CCP newspaper – published a quote by a senior Communist Party official who said that Beijing would remain under the Zero COVID policy “for the next five years”.
That sparked panic, causing Beijing Daily to remove the quote after claiming it was an “editing error”. Chinese censors also went into overdrive, removing all references to the quote.
According to CNN which analysed the entire speech, Beijing party chief Cai Qi did discuss at length the possibility that Zero COVID policies may remain in place for Beijing over the next five years.
Those measures, he said, would include routine PCR tests, strict entry rules, regular health checks in residential neighbourhoods and public venues. There will also be rigorous monitoring and testing for people entering and leaving Beijing.
So Chinese citizens and foreigners willing to tolerate the travel quarantine will have to continue putting up with mass testing and lockdowns of entire cities over small outbreaks. How long that lasts is anyone’s guess…
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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
You can now fly to the United States without taking any COVID-19 test!
Here is what you need to know!
You Can Now Fly To United States Without COVID-19 Test!
17 months ago, the US CDC issued an order requiring all travellers to present a negative COVID-19 test before they can fly to the United States, or present documentation of recovery from COVID-19.
US CDC Director Rochelle Walensky just rescinded that order for all aircraft departing their point of origin on or after Sunday, June 12, 2022, at 12:01 AM EDT (Eastern Daylight Time).
I have concluded that continuation of the Order is not currently necessary. There being no operation need to delay implementation of this rescission for more than a short period of time, it shall take effect for all aircraft departing from their point of origin on or after Sunday, June 12, 2022, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
That said, the US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, Xavier Becerra, said that this decision is based on “science and available data”, and warned that it may be reinstated if things change :
The CDC continues to recommend COVID-19 testing prior to air travel of any kind and will not hesitate to reinstate a pre-departure testing requirement, if needed later. Ensuring the safety and well-being of Americans is a top priority.
Current Requirements Before You Fly To United States
This order restores travel requirements to what it was before the pandemic – you will no longer be required to undergo a COVID-19 test, or show proof of COVID-19 recovery, before you fly to the United States.
However, the CDC still recommends that travellers get tested before and after travel, or after known exposure to someone with COVID-19.
They also recommend that travellers “remain up to date with vaccination against COVID-19“, and “wear masks in indoor public transportation settings“.
However, airlines may impose their own requirements, so please make sure you check with your airlines too!
American Citizens / Permanent Residents
The CDC recommendation to be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination is no longer mandatory for American citizens.
Foreigners
For foreign travellers, you can fly to the United States without a negative COVID-19 test.
However, the CDC still requires foreigners to be fully-vaccinated before they can fly to the United States. A booster dose is not required.
Only selected foreigners may receive an exemption to this CDC requirement :
Persons on diplomatic or official foreign government travel
Children under 18 years of age
Persons with documented medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine
Participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials
Persons issued a humanitarian or emergency exception
Persons with valid visas [excluding B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visas] who are citizens of a foreign country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability (See list for updates that will be effective June 28, 2022)
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age)
Sea crew members traveling with to a C-1 and D nonimmigrant visa
Persons whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, Secretary of Transportation, or Secretary of Homeland Security (or their designees)
But note that if you qualify for the exemption, you may be required to :
get tested for COVID-19 within 3-5 days of arrival in the United States, and
self-quarantine for 5 days, even if you test negative in the post-arrival test (unless you have documentation of recovering from COVID-19 in the past 90 days), and
self-isolate if you test positive in the post-arrival test, or develop COVID-19 symptoms
get vaccinated against COVID-19 if you intend to stay in the United States for longer than 60 days
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
You will not longer be required to wear a face mask, or physically distance, during air travel to and from EU countries!
Here is what you need to know…
EU Air Travel : Face Mask + Physical Distancing Not Required!
On 11 May 2022, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) issued a joint statement, dropping their recommendation for the mandatory wearing of a face mask as well as physical distancing in airports and on flights.
From Monday, 16 May 2022 onwards, you will no longer be required to wear a face mask at airports, or onboard a flight across the European Union.
However, travellers with respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing) are strongly recommended to wear a face mask.
Airports are also no longer required to strictly implement physical distancing. Rather, they should adopt “a pragmatic approach”, and avoid imposing distancing requirements if they “will likely lead to a bottleneck”.
Airport operators are also not required to impose physical distancing if they are “not required at national or regional level”.
That said, they are still asking airport operators to encourage physical distancing where possible, particularly in the meet and greet areas and around baggage carousels.
Face Mask + Physical Distancing Not Required In EU, But Still Recommended!
While the EU will no longer require you to wear a face mask, or impose strict physical distancing during air travel, they are both still highly recommended to prevent COVID-19.
Here are selected excerpts from the latest EASA and ECDC guidelines (PDF) for air travel in the European Union :
Medical Face Masks
Medical face masks (hereafter referred to also as ‘face masks’) are among the most efficient means to prevent the transmission of SARS-COV-2 including existing VOCs. As such, the wearing of masks should be considered in crowded indoor and outdoor settings, including air travel.
If the departure or destination States require wearing of face masks in public transport, aircraft operators should require passengers and crew to wear a face mask beyond 16 May 2022.
In other cases, starting 16 May 2022, aircraft and aerodrome operators should continue to encourage passengers and crew members, as part of their pre-flight communications as well as during travel through signage and announcements, to wear a face mask during flight as well as in the airport as a way to protect themselves and others and that they should respect others’ decision to wear or to not wear a mask.
In their communication, operators should highlight that people at high risk for severe COVID-19 are advised to wear an FFP2 respirator mask during the flight for their own protection. Experimental studies indicate that respirators are more effective than medical face masks both in limiting the release of infectious respiratory droplets when worn by the infectious source and in limiting the exposure when worn by the exposed person.
People with respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing) are strongly recommended to wear a medical face mask irrespective of the requirements on that particular flight.
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing, alongside the proper wearing of face masks, has proven among the most effective non-pharmaceutical interventions to prevent SARS-CoV-2 (including VOCs) transmission. Physical distancing should be encouraged in all airport areas, the arrival terminal (with a particular focus for the meet and greet area) and around the baggage carousels. Signage and communication material should continue to encourage physical distancing where possible.
However, implementation experience has shown that in some cases, strict physical distancing measures in the aviation environment (airport and aircraft) is not operationally feasible and creates additional unintended bottlenecks in other areas, increasing the exposure times and leading to operational delays touching the flight time limitation requirements and, consequently, flight safety. Physical distancing could therefore be added to the use of face masks where operationally feasible and where it does not result in additional crowding in other areas. If physical distancing measures cannot be implemented, the use of face masks should be encouraged for passengers.
PPE For Airline / Airport Crew + Staff
Airport operators, aircraft operators and service providers/suppliers should provide the necessary PPE to their staff members and ensure that they are trained in its appropriate use:
— Staff members who interact with passengers directly (e.g. cabin crew members, security check agents, assistants for passengers with reduced mobility, cleaning staff, etc.) should be encouraged to properly wear a medical face mask or, where available and the legal framework permits, a higher-standard face mask (e.g. FFP2/N95/KN95 respirators).
— Staff should be encouraged to practise respiratory hygiene at all times as well as frequent hand hygiene, either via appropriate hand-washing or by applying an alcohol-based hand disinfectant. The use of a protective gown or a one-use plastic apron can be considered for tasks that may expose staff to splashes.
— Flight crew members should be encouraged to wear a face mask whenever interacting with, or in the proximity of, other people. Once they are in the flight compartment and the door is closed, flight crew members may remove their masks subject to their operator’s policy and mutual agreement. Furthermore, the flight’s crew members should remove their masks for emergency situations and whenever requested by appropriate authorities for official purposes such as identification or alcohol testing.
— Aircraft operators should have on board one or more Universal Precaution Kits (UPKs. Such kits should be used by crew members who are assisting passengers with COVID-
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Starting Sunday, May 1, 2022, these groups of travellers will NO LONGER be required to undergo pre-departure testing and on-arrival testing for COVID-19!
Fully-vaccinated individuals who are 13 years or older
Individuals who recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6-60 days
Individuals who are 12 years or younger, regardless of vaccination status
This ruling applies to both Malaysian citizens, as well as foreigners, including those performing the Hat and even foreign workers.
Please note that ALL travellers must still submit information through the Travellers option in MySejahtera, and obtain the Travellers digital card.
Travellers who are 13 years or older, and are not yet fully vaccinated, must continue with the existing testing and quarantine protocol :
Not vaccinated with medical exemption : pre-departure PCR test within 2 days, professional RTK-Ag within 24 hours of arrival, no quarantine.
Partially-vaccinated / unvaccinated (13-17 yo) : pre-departure PCR test within 2 days, professional RTK-Ag within 24 hours of arrival, no quarantine.
Partially vaccinated / unvaccinated : pre-departure PCR test within 2 days, professional RTK-Ag within 24 hours of arrival, 5-day quarantine.
Partially vaccinated / unvaccinated post COVID-19 : pre-departure professional RTK-Ag within 2 days (or Fit To Travel letter if hospitalised), professional RTK-Ag within 24 hours of arrival, 5-day quarantine.
Travellers who test positive on arrival in Malaysia will be asked to undergo a professional RTK-Ag test on-the-spot.
To make it easier for you to understand, I created this table to summarise the new rules :
Vaccination Status
Pre-Departure
On Arrival
Additional Test or Quarantine
Child (< 13 Years) *
No Test Required
No Test
No Quarantine
Travellers From
Singapore
Boosted (≥18 Years)
Fully Vaccinated (≥ 13 Years)
Fully Vaccinated +
Post-COVID-19 (6-60 Days)
Partially-Vaccinated or
Unvaccinated (13-17 Years)
PCR test
within 2 days
Professional
RTK-Ag
within 24 hours
of arrival
On-Arrival
Professional
RTK-Ag
for travellers
transiting to
Sabah or
Sarawak
Not Vaccinated with
Medical Exemption
Partially Vaccinated or
Unvaccinated (≥18 Years)
5-Day Quarantine
with
Day 4 PCR or
Day 5 RTK
Partially Vaccinated
or Unvaccinated + Post-COVID-19
(6-60 Days)
Professional
RTK-Ag
within 2 days
or FTT letter **
if hospitalised
* By year of birth
** Also professional RTK-Ag if recovered from COVID-19 infection 6-60 days before departure
*** FTT = Fit To Travel
Malaysia : No More COVID-19 Insurance For Foreign Travellers!
Only these groups are earlierexempted from the requirement to purchase COVID-19 and travel insurance :
Fully-vaccinated citizens of Singapore or Malaysia
Fully-vaccinated permanent residents of Singapore or Malaysia
Fully-vaccinated Long-term Pass Holders of Singapore or Malaysia
That changes from Sunday, May 1, 2022 onwards – the US$20K travel insurance requirement is NO LONGER REQUIRED for ALL foreign travellers!
So foreigners can travel to Malaysia without that additional cost. Of course, getting travel insurance is always a good idea.
Please Support My Work!
Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Here are the LATEST air travel procedures and SOP for those who are flying to Malaysia!
Updated @ 2022-04-12 : Added RTK-Ag option for Singaporean travellers, RTK-Ag testing requirement for transit to Sabah / Sarawak, and other updates Updated @ 2022-03-31 : Added new updates to the air travel procedures Updated @ 2022-03-25 : Added the air travel procedures Originally posted @ 2022-01-24
Malaysia Air Travel Test + Quarantine SOP From 1 April 2022!
On 9 March 2022, the Malaysia Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, announced that new quarantine rules for travellers to Malaysia.
These COVID-19 test and quarantine rules take effect from Friday, 1 April 2022 onwards.
But there have been a few updates, so check the latest requirements below!
A. Travellers Undergoing Quarantine : Immediate Release!
For travellers who started undergoing quarantine prior to 1 April 2022, their quarantine orders will be rescinded on 1 April 2022.
They will no longer be under quarantine on 1 April 2022, irrespective of when they started their quarantine.
B. Children + Teenagers : No Quarantine!
Children and teenagers who are 17 years old or younger do NOT need to undergo quarantine, irrespective of their vaccination status.
Only children and teenagers 7-17 years old need to undergo :
a PCR test within 48 hours before departure to Malaysia, and
a professional RTK-Ag test within 24 hours of arrival in Malaysia.
Children who are less than 7 years old do not need to undergo any PCR test before departure, or after arrival in Malaysia.
C. Travellers From Singapore : No Quarantine!
Travellers from Singapore do NOT need to undergo quarantine, irrespective of their vaccination status. However, travellers 7 years and older age need to undergo :
a PCR or professional RTK-Ag test within 48 hours before departure to Malaysia
Children who are less than 7 years old do not need to undergo any PCR or RTK-Ag test before departure.
And all travellers from Singapore are exempt from testing after arrival in Malaysia.
D. Vaccinated Adults : No Quarantine!
Fully-vaccinated adults (18 years and older), with or without a booster dose, do NOT need to undergo quarantine on arrival in Malaysia. However, they must undergo :
a PCR test within 48 hours before departure to Malaysia, and
a professional RTK-Ag test within 24 hours of arrival in Malaysia.
E. Vaccinated + Post COVID-19 : No Quarantine!
Fully-vaccinated individuals who recovered from COVID-19 (infected in the last 6-60 days) do NOT need to undergo quarantine on arrival in Malaysia.
However, if they were not hospitalised, they must undergo :
a professional RTK-Ag test within 48 hours before departure to Malaysia, and
a professional RTK-Ag test within 24 hours of arrival in Malaysia.
If they were hospitalised, they can use a Fit To Travel letter from the hospital.
F. Unvaccinated with Medical Exemption : No Quarantine!
Unvaccinated individuals with a medical exemption will be allowed, on a case-by-case basis, to travel to Malaysia without a mandatory quarantine.
However, they must undergo :
a PCR test within 48 hours before departure to Malaysia, and
a professional RTK-Ag test within 24 hours of arrival in Malaysia.
G. Unvaccinated Adults : 5 Day Quarantine
Adult travellers (18 years and older) who are not fully-vaccinated, or completely unvaccinated, must :
undergo a 5-day mandatory quarantine on arrival in Malaysia, and
undergo a PCR test on Day 4, or a professional RTK-Ag test on Day 5.
After completing their quarantine, these travellers must comply with existing restrictions on individuals who lack the Fully Vaccinated status in Malaysia. For example, they will not be able to dine-in at restaurants.
Travellers who are exempt from vaccination for health reasons must upload the evidence of medical exemption into the MySejahtera app.
H. Unvaccinated + Post COVID-19 : 5 Day Quarantine
Unvaccinated individuals who recovered from COVID-19 (infected in the last 6-60 days) must:
undergo a 5-day mandatory quarantine on arrival in Malaysia, and
undergo a PCR test on Day 4, or a professional RTK-Ag test on Day 5.
If they were not hospitalised, they must undergo :
a professional RTK-Ag test within 48 hours before departure to Malaysia, and
a professional RTK-Ag test within 24 hours of arrival in Malaysia.
If they were hospitalised, they can use a Fit To Travel letter from the hospital.
Latest Malaysia Air Travel Procedure From 1 April 2022!
On 24 March 2022, the Malaysia Ministry of Health issued the official procedure for travellers who arrive by air, that will take effect from 1 April 2022 onwards.
Before Departure
Download the MySejahtera app, and register for your MySejahtera account.
Click on the Traveller icon in MySejahtera, and complete the pre-departure form
a) fully-vaccinated travellers will receive a Digital Traveller’s Card
b) partially vaccinated / unvaccinated travellers will receive a Digital Home Surveillance Order (HSO).
All travellers 7 years and above must undergo a PCR test 2 days before departure.
Travellers from Singapore can opt for either a PCR test or a professional RTK-Ag test 2 days before departure.
Those who had a previous COVID-19 infection (within 6-60 days before departure) must undergo a professional RTK-Ag test 2 days before departure, or alternatively, have a Free-To-Travel letter if they were hospitalised for COVID-19 during that time.
Non-Malaysian citizens (except Singaporean citizens) must purchase travel and COVID-19 insurance worth at least US$20,000.
Partially-vaccinated or unvaccinated Singaporean citizens must purchase travel and COVID-19 insurance worth at least US$20,000.
On Arrival
All travellers 7 years and above must undergo a professional RTK-Ag test within 24 hours of arrival in Malaysia.
a) this professional RTK-Ag test can be performed at any health facility of your choice
b) COVID-19 breathalyser / professional RTK-Ag tests are available at the airport
c) Cost of on-arrival RTK-Ag test must be borne by the travellers.
Children below the age of 7, and travellers from Singapore are exempted from the on-arrival test.
Partially-vaccinated / unvaccinated travellers must undergo a mandatory 5-day quarantine.
IMPORTANT : Travellers transiting through Malaysian international airports to Sabah or Sarawak must undergo professional RTK-Ag at the airport, before departing.
Testing Positive On Arrival
If you test positive on arrival, you must undergo a mandatory quarantine of :
Fully vaccinated : 7 days
Partially vaccinated / unvaccinated : 10 days
Testing Positive During Quarantine
If you are a partially vaccinated / unvaccinated traveller, you will need to undergo a 5-day quarantine, and get tested on Day 4 (PCR) or Day 5 (RTK-Ag).
If you test positive on Day 4 or Day 5, your quarantine will get extended for 5 more days.
Malaysia Air Travel Test + Quarantine SOP : Summary
To make it easier to compare the myriad air travel requirements to Malaysia, I created this table to summarise the key requirements.
Vaccination Status
Pre-Departure
On Arrival
Additional Test or Quarantine
Child (< 7 Years) *
No Test Required
No Test
No Quarantine
Travellers From
Singapore
PCR test or
professional
RTK-Ag **
within 2 days
No Test Required
Boosted (≥18 Years)
PCR test
within 2 days
Professional
RTK-Ag
within 24 hours
of arrival On-Arrival
Professional
RTK-Ag
for travellers
transiting to
Sabah or
Sarawak
Fully Vaccinated
Fully Vaccinated
+ Post-COVID-19
(6-60 Days)
Professional
RTK-Ag
within 2 days
or FTT letter **
if hospitalised
Children / Teenagers
(7-17 Years)
PCR test
within 2 days
Not Vaccinated with
Medical Exemption
Partially Vaccinated
or Unvaccinated
Day 4 PCR or
Day 5 RTK 5-Day Quarantine
Partially Vaccinated
or Unvaccinated + Post-COVID-19
(6-60 Days)
Professional
RTK-Ag
within 2 days
or FTT letter **
if hospitalised
* By year of birth
** Also professional RTK-Ag if recovered from COVID-19 infection 6-60 days before departure
*** FTT = Fit To Travel
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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
The EU has officially accepted the MySejahtera digital COVID certificate from Malaysia!
Here is what you need to know!
EU Officially Accepts Malaysia Digital COVID Certificate!
On 4 April 2022, the EU Ambassador to Malaysia, Michalis Rokas, announced that Malaysia has officially been connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate trust framework.
Some great news: The EU 🇪🇺 has accepted Malaysia 🇲🇾 @officialmosti
request for establishing the equivalence between EU’s Digital Covid Certificate and Malaysia’s MySejahtera.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/534 of 1 April 2022 establishing the equivalence, for the purpose of facilitating the right of free movement within the Union, of COVID-19 certificates issued by Malaysia to the certificates issued in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/953 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
EU Accepts Malaysia Digital COVID Certificate : What Does It Mean?
But what exactly does it mean by this EU decision to accept Malaysia’s MySejahtera digital COVID certificate?
To help you understand what this means, I created this FAQ :
No, Malaysians will not receive the Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), which is the EU equivalent of the MySejahtera digital COVID-19 certificate.
The EUDCC is used only by residents in the 27 EU countries, and a few non-EU countries that are in the Schengen Area, or have an open border with the EU :
Iceland
Liechtenstein
Norway
San Marino
Switzerland
Vatican City
If you have been fully-vaccinated with an EU-authorities vaccine, you may request for an EUDCC, but that’s a separate matter altogether.
So The EU Accepts The MySejahtera Certificate?
Yes. European Union countries will accept the MySejahtera digital COVID-19 certificate as equivalent to the EU Digital COVID Certificate.
This is reciprocal – Malaysia will also accept the EUDCC as equivalent to the MySejahtera digital COVID-19 certificate.
This means that holders of certificates issued by these two countries will be able to use them under the same conditions as holders of an EU Digital COVID Certificate.
At the same time, the two countries agreed to accept the EU Digital COVID Certificate for travel from the EU to their countries.
What Are The Advantages Of Connecting To EUDCC?
The instant Malaysia is connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate system, all MySejahtera digital COVID-19 certificates are automatically valid in the EU.
Malaysian travellers to the EU will be exempted from travel-related testing or quarantine across the entire EU+ are, including all Schengen Member States, and the four Schengen Associated States – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Is This Necessary For Free Movement In EU?
No, the MySejahtera digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate or the the EU Digital COVID Certificate are not necessary for free movement, which is a fundamental right in the European Union.
Unvaccinated individuals are still free to travel across the EU. They are just subject to restrictions like testing or quarantine.
Please Support My Work!
Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Foreign travellers will need to purchase travel insurance of at least US$20K in value before travelling to Malaysia!
Here is what you need to know…
Foreign Travellers Can Visit Malaysia Without Quarantine!
On 8 March 2022, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Ismail Sabri Yaacob, announced that Malaysia will reopen all international borders on 1 April 2022.
All Malaysian citizens can travel freely internationally, as long as they have valid travel documents.
All foreigners with valid travel documents can freely travel in and out of Malaysia, without apply for MyTravelPass, which will be abolished.
All travellers have to activate MySejahtera, and fill in the Pre-Departure Form using the Traveller option in MySejahtera.
All travellers who are fully-vaccinated with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine do not need to undergo any quarantine.
However, travellers must show a negative RT-PCR test taken within 2 days before departure.
In addition, travellers must undergo a professionally-administered RTK-Ag test within 24 hours of arrival in Malaysia, and report the results in MySejahtera.
Foreign Travellers To Malaysia Must Have US$20K Insurance!
On 30 March 2022, the Ministry of Health dropped a little bombshell just days before Malaysia reopened its international borders.
Starting 1 April 2022, all foreign travellers to Malaysia must purchase COVID-19 and travel insurance with coverage of at least US$20,000 before travelling to Malaysia.
This rule applies to all foreign travellers entering Malaysia on a short-term social pass, irrespective of vaccination status.
Foreign travellers must declare their COVID-19 and travel insurance policy in the MySejahtera app, before travelling to Malaysia.
The COVID-19 and travel insurance policy will be used to pay for any quarantine, treatment or hospitalisation costs, in case they get infected with COVID-19 while in Malaysia.
Only these groups are exempted from the requirement to purchase COVID-19 and travel insurance :
Fully-vaccinated citizens of Singapore or Malaysia
Fully-vaccinated permanent residents of Singapore or Malaysia
Fully-vaccinated Long-term Pass Holders of Singapore or Malaysia
In other words, if you are a Singapore citizen / permanent resident / long-term pass holder who is NOT fully-vaccinated, you must purchase COVID-19 and travel insurance with coverage of at least US$20,000 before travelling to Malaysia.
These insurance exemptions apply to all those who enter Malaysia through Singapore by air, land or sea.
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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
A. Fully-Vaccinated with Booster Dose / Unaccompanied Teenager
New Quarantine Period : 5 Days
Travellers who are fully-vaccinated and received the booster dose, or teenagers travelling without an adult escort are now allowed to undergo a short quarantine of just 5 days.
They will need to undergo three screening tests during the 5-day mandatory quarantine :
RT-PCR test within 2 days prior to departure, with a negative test result
RT-PCR test on the day of arrival
RT-PCR test on Day 4, or
RTK-Ag test that is supervised by a healthcare worker on Day 5
They will be released from quarantine only on Day 5, if they test negative on their RT-PCR test on Day 4, or the RTK-Ag test on Day 5.
B. Fully-Vaccinated without Booster Dose
New Quarantine Period : 7 Days
Travellers to Malaysia who are fully-vaccinated, but did not receive the booster dose, will be required to undergo a mandatory quarantine of 7 days.
They will also need to undergo three screening tests during the 7-day mandatory quarantine :
RT-PCR test within 2 days prior to departure, with a negative test result
RT-PCR test on the day of arrival
RT-PCR test on Day 5, or
RTK-Ag test that is supervised by a healthcare worker on Day 7
They will be released from quarantine only on Day 7, if they test negative on their RT-PCR test on Day 5, or the RTK-Ag test on Day 7.
C. Unvaccinated or Not Fully Vaccinated
New Quarantine Period : 10 Days
Travellers to Malaysia who are not fully-vaccinated or unvaccinated, will be required to undergo a mandatory quarantine of 10 days.
They will also need to undergo three screening tests during the 10-day mandatory quarantine :
RT-PCR test within 2 days prior to departure, with a negative test result
RT-PCR test on the day of arrival
RT-PCR test on Day 8, or
RTK-Ag test that is supervised by a healthcare worker on Day 10
They will be released from quarantine only on Day 10, if they test negative on their RT-PCR test on Day 8, or the RTK-Ag test on Day 10.
D. Travellers With Recent COVID-19 Infection
Travellers who recently recovered from COVID-19 infection are NOT required to undergo a mandatory quarantine, subject to these requirements :
must be fully-vaccinated, with proof of vaccination
proof of COVID-19 infection within 11-60 days prior to departure, using printed or digital test results
travellers with history of hospitalisation from COVID-19 must produce a “Fit to Travel” letter from the hospital
travellers who were not hospitalised must undergo a professional RTK-Ag test two days before departure, and are only allowed to fly with a negative test result
Travellers who recovered from a COVID-19 infection but are not fully vaccinated, or unvaccinated, must undergo a mandatory 7-day quarantine.
Malaysia Travel Test + Quarantine SOP : Current Summary
To make it easier to compare the three categories, I created this table to summarise their key features.
Note : Even with a negative test result, you must complete the full mandatory quarantine period.
Effective 24 January 2022
With Booster Dose,
or
Unaccompanied Teen
Fully-Vaccinated
w/o Booster Dose
Unvaccinated or
Not Fully Vaccinated
Quarantine Period
5 Days
7 Days
10 Days
Pre-Flight Test
Negative RT-PCR within 2 days before departure to Malaysia
On Arrival Test
RT-PCR test on day of arrival in Malaysia
Quarantine Test
RT-PCR (Day 4) or
RTK-Ag (Day 5)
RT-PCR (Day 5) or
RTK-Ag (Day 7)
RT-PCR (Day 8) or
RTK-Ag (Day 10)
Quarantine Release
Day 5
Day 7
Day 10
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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
Malaysia is set to reopen nationwide, as it moves towards COVID-19 endemicity!
Here is what you need to know…
Malaysia To Reopen + Move Towards COVID-19 Endemicity!
On 8 March 2022, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Ismail Sabri Yaacob, announced that Malaysia will reopen and move towards COVID-19 endemicity.
Here are the new changes that will come into effect on Friday, 1 April 2022 :
It is still mandatory to wear face masks in public.
Restrictions on business operating hours are eliminated. Businesses can operate as long as they wish, or are licensed for. 24 hours eateries, for example, can now open 24 hours.
Logging in using MySejahtera is still mandatory, except for open spaces that are not crowded or do not have gatherings.
Using MySJ Trace is mandatory for indoor areas that are filled with people.
The Federal Government will allow people to undertake religious activities without physical distancing. Each state will determine if they will adopt this recommendation, or still insist on physical distancing.
Employee / staff attendance based on vaccination rate is abolished.
All individuals are allowed to travel interstate, irrespective of vaccination status.
All employees / staff will be allowed to work, irrespective of vaccination status.
The 50% limit on venue capacity for group activities / gatherings (for example, wedding dinners) is abolished. However, there should be reasonable physical distancing.
International borders is reopened completely. All Malaysian citizens can travel freely internationally, as long as they have valid travel documents.
All foreigners with valid travel documents can freely travel in and out of Malaysia, without apply for MyTravelPass, which will be abolished. They just have to activate MySejahtera, and fill in the Pre-Departure Form using the Traveller option in MySejahtera.
Travellers who are fully-vaccinated with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine do not need to undergo any quarantine, but only need to have a negative RT-PCR test within 2 days before departure, and a professionally-administered RTK-Ag test within 24 hours of arrival in Malaysia.
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
The Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) between Singapore and Malaysia allows for quarantine-free air travel!
Here is our latest guide on the Singapore to Malaysia Vaccinated Travel Lane!
Singapore-Malaysia Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) Announced!
After almost 2 years of border closures, Singapore and Malaysia have agreed to launch a Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) on 8 November 2021.
From 29 November 2021 onwards, fully-vaccinated individuals will be allowed to travel between Changi Airport and KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport).
From 16 March 2021 onwards, fully-vaccinated individuals will be allowed to travel between Changi Airport and PIA (Penang International Airport).
Travellers using this Vaccinated Travel Lane will NOT be required to serve any quarantine or Stay-Home-Notice. They will only be required to take COVID-19 tests!
However, I should point out that this VTL scheme will NOT be cheap, as you will need to undergo several COVID-19 tests.
On 19 November 2021, the Immigration Department of Malaysia released details of the Vaccinated Travel Lane rules for people travelling from Singapore to Malaysia.
On 2 March 2022, the Malaysia Ministry of Health announced that VTL travellers are no longer required to undergo daily COVID-19 tests.
On 4 March 2022, the governments of Singapore and Malaysia announced that the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) programme would expand to include Penang.
Pre-Departure
Travellers must remain in Singapore and/or Malaysia in the last 14 consecutive days.
Travellers must be fully-vaccinated with the full regimen of COVID-19 vaccine recognised by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM), at least two weeks before arrival in Malaysia.
Travellers must book a designated Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) flight into Malaysia.
Travellers must take a separate COVID-19 RT-PCR test within 2 days before departure.
Travellers must download and register the MySejahtera app.
MyTravelPass is not required.
Short-term visitors, including business and official travellers, must : a) apply for visa (if required), b) purchase a return ticket, and c) purchase COVID-19 travel insurance (minimum RM 100,000 coverage)
Check-In
Travellers will need to present these documents at check-in : a) Travel document (passport / electronic visit pass) b) Valid vaccination certificate (physical or electronic) c) Negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test certificate d) MySejahtera app with registered profile
Short-term visitors, including business and official travellers, only will also require to present these at check in : a) visa (if required) b) return ticket c) proof of purchase of COVID-19 travel insurance (physical or electronic)
On Arrival
Take the on-arrival COVID-19 RT-PCR test, and wait 1-3 hours at the designated area in the airport for the test results.
After obtaining a negative RT-PCR test result, proceed to the arrival immigration and present the following : a) Travel document (passport / electronic visit pass) b) Boarding Pass c) Visa (if required) d) Return / onward ticket and proof of accommodation (applicable to all, except Permanent Residents of Malaysia and holders of Long-Term Passes).
Stay In Malaysia
Travellers must adhere to the current public health measures
Travellers must activate MySejahtera app at all times.
VTL Air Travel Guide : Malaysia To Singapore
The Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) released details of the Vaccinated Travel Lane rules for travel to and from Malaysia :
The joint VTL between Singapore and Malaysia is limited to travel between Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) starting on 29 November 2021, and Penang International Airport (PIA) starting 16 March 2022.
Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) applications for Short-Term Visitors and Singapore Permanent Residents will commence on 22 November 2021 – returning Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who are fully-vaccinated will not need to apply.
The Singapore Minister of Transportation also announced that :
Applications for VTL will open on 22 November 2021.
Travellers to Singapore will be required to present a negative PCR test, or a professionally-administer ART (Antigen Rapid Test) taken 48 hours prior to departure.
Travellers to Singapore will be subjected to a PCR test on arrival.
Pre-Departure
Travellers must be fully-vaccinated with a WHO Emergency Use Listing (EUL) vaccine, at least two weeks before arrival in Singapore.
Unvaccinated travellers who are 12 years and below in the calendar year can travel to Singapore via the VTL if accompanied by a fully-vaccinated VTL traveller.
Travellers must be able to provide the Digital Certificate for COVID-19 Vaccination, either downloaded or shown on the MySejahtera app.
Travellers must have only travelled to, or transited through any VTL countries (like Malaysia) or Category I countries (like Hong Kong, Macao, Mainland China, Taiwan) in the last 14 consecutive days before departure to Singapore.
Travellers must travel to Singapore on a designated VTL flight from Malaysia.
Foreign short-term visitors must purchase a suitable travel insurance with a minimum coverage of S$30,000 against COVID-19 related medical charges from a Singapore or overseas-based insurer.
Foreign short-term visitors that require a visa to enter Singapore, must apply fro a visa.
Travellers, except those aged 2 and below in the calendar year, must undergo a COVID-19 PCR test / Antigen Rapid Test within 2 days before departure to Singapore.
Travellers under the VTL do not need a return flight ticket to enter Singapore.
Applying To Travel Under VTL
Singapore citizens and permanent residents do not need to apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass, but must comply with the VTL requirements.
Unvaccinated children of Singapore citizens and permanent residents, aged 12 and below, do not need to apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass either.
Foreign visitors, including Short-Term Visitors and Long-Term Pass Holders, must apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass from 22 November 2021 (10 AM SGT) onwards.
Children aged 12 and below accompanying foreign visitors do not need to apply.
All applications must be submitted between 7 and 60 days before the intended date of entry into Singapore.
Every Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) is valid for 6 calendar days from the traveller’s chose date of entry.
Essential Documents
Travellers must carry along an electronic / physical copy of these documents to present to the airline staff and immigration officers.
Documents
Singapore Citizens &
Permanent Residents
Long-Term
Pass Holders
Short-Term
Visitors
Accepted Proof of Vaccination
✓
✓
✓
Negative Pre-Departure
COVID-19 Test
✓
✓
✓
Valid Vaccinated Travel Pass
(VTP)
X
✓
✓
COVID-19 Insurance Policy
X
X
✓
Valid Visa (If Required)
X
X
✓
On-Arrival ART Test
Travellers, except children aged 2 and below in the calendar year and travellers who are certified positive for COVID-19 between 7-90 days before departure, are required to undergo a supervised self-administered ART test at a Quick Test Centre (QTC) or Combined Test Centre (CTC) within 24 hours of arrival in Singapore.
Except for attending the supervised ART, travellers are required to self-isolate in their declared accommodation until they are notified that they have tested negative. Travellers may only take private transportation, taxi, or private hire car between the QTC/CTC and their accommodation. Public transportation is not allowed.
Travellers should not wait for their test results at the test centre due to space constraints. They may leave the test centre once they have completed their self-administered ART and await notification of their test results via SMS or email.
Please Support My Work!
Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!
Name : Adrian Wong Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp
Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.
He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.
