Tag Archives: KLIA

Long Queues At KLIA From Immigration Work To Rule Protest?!

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.

https://www.techarp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/WhatsApp-Video-2023-07-04-at-14.35.19.mp4?_=1

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.

Fact #2 : Unknown If Work To Rule Is Happening

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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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Are Push Pocket Criminals Targeting Tourists In KL?!

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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 for these ‘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.

Geh Cheng Lok & Co, Advocates & Solicitors

Show less

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.

Fact #4 : Malaysia Has Laws + CCTV Cameras

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.

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Can Postal Votes Be Changed On Receipt In Malaysia?

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Can your postal votes be changed by anyone in Malaysia?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

Claim : Postal Votes Can Be Changed On Receipt In Malaysia!

This message has gone viral on WhatsApp and social media, warning people that postal votes can be changed on receipt in Malaysia!

There’s a push for postal voting for overseas M’sians. Here is my concern: The problem with postal votes is that on receipt in Malaysia the votes can be CHANGED! That why in GE14 the voting forms were hand carried by Malaysian traveller back to KLIA. At KLIA, people fr various states waited to receive the hand carried voting forms & distributed them to their polling stations.

Truth : Postal Votes Cannot Be Changed On Receipt In Malaysia!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Sampul A + B Envelopes Are Sealed

After marking their ballots, postal voters will seal them in individual Sampul A envelopes, that are then sealed together with their Borang 2 forms in individual Sampul B envelopes.

For anyone to change the votes, he/she will have to tear open the envelopes, which would invalidate the vote inside. The vote will be marked as a spoiled vote, and will not count towards the electoral verdict.

Fact #2 : Changing The Vote Would Spoil It

While pencil can be used to mark the ballot, most postal voters will likely use a pen to mark their ballots.

If someone breaks into the envelopes and marks a different choice on the ballot, that will also invalidate the vote – you can only mark once in each ballot.

The vote will be marked as a spoiled vote, and will not count towards the electoral verdict.

Fact #3 : GE14 Postal Vote Hand Carrying Not Due To Fraud

Postal voting in GE14 was pretty much restricted to Malaysian military personnel, government servants and full-time students residing overseas.

Even though the Election Commission (SPR) granted limited rights to overseas Malaysia to vote by post, less than 8,000 were eligible because voter registration was not yet automatic.

In the end, only 212,834 Malaysians were eligible to vote by post, consisting of :

149,730 election workers, military and police personnel, and members of the media,
7,979 overseas Malaysians

However, the reason why many overseas Malaysians had to resort to the hand-carrying method was because the postal ballots arrived late, and it would take too long to mail them back.

To avoid those postal ballots being rendered void because they could not reach the Returning Officer in their home constituency by 5:30 PM on Election Day, Malaysians banded together to help “hand carry” them.

People flying back to Malaysia brought back the ballots, and handed them over to runners who brought them to each local constituency. However, all this was done to meet the deadline, not to avoid election fraud.

Fact #2 : 1.86 Million Overseas Malaysians Eligible For Postal Voting

In GE15, about 1.86 million Malaysians residing overseas are eligible for postal voting – a vast increase from less than 8,000 in GE14.

That is almost 9% of the total electorate in Malaysia, and for the first time ever – postal voting will have a significant effect on a Malaysian general election.

Hence, it is important to be wary about fake news that are designed to discourage postal voting.

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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.

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Latest Singapore-Malaysia VTL Air Travel Guide!

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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.

https://youtu.be/p4D-uTOeZVI

VTL Air Travel Guide : Singapore To Malaysia

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 register and pay for the on-arrival COVID-19 RT-PCR test at https://www.airport.doctor2u.my
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.

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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.

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Singapore – Malaysia VTL Suspended Due To Omicron Variant!

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Malaysia has temporarily suspended the VTL (Vaccinated Travel Lane) with Singapore, due to the Omicron variant!

Here is what you need to know…

Singapore – Malaysia VTL : What Is It?

Announced in November 2021, the Singapore – Malaysia VTL (Vaccinated Travel Lane) allows fully-vaccinated citizens of both countries to travel, without being subjected to a mandatory quarantine.

There are currently two VTL (Vaccinated Travel Lane) options between Singapore and Malaysia :

By Air : Between Changi Airport in Singapore, and KLIA in Malaysia
By Land : At the Johor Bahru Causeway.

https://youtu.be/p4D-uTOeZVI

Singapore – Malaysia VTL Suspended Due To Omicron Variant!

On 22 December 2021, the Malaysia Minister of Health, Khairy Jamaluddin announced a temporary suspension of the Singapore – Malaysia VTL, due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

In his statement, he pointed out that the Singapore Ministry of Health announced a local cluster of three COVID-19 cases, of which two were likely of the Omicron variant, while the other case is still pending. All three cases did not have history of overseas travel.

In light of that development, the Malaysia Ministry of Health (KKM) decided to temporarily suspend the VTL with Singapore from Thursday, 23 December, 2021 until Thursday, 20 January 2022.

Travellers who have already purchased tickets for Land or Air VTL, and still comply with the VTL requirements can continue with their travel plans.

Bus and plane ticket sales for both Air and Land VTL initiatives will reopen on 21 January 2022, after a risk assessment is conducted in both countries. However, the ticket quota will be lower than the current limit.

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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.

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Langkawi International Tourism Bubble : SOP + Rules!

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Malaysia will open Langkawi to international tourists who will NOT need to undergo quarantine!

Here is what you need to know about its SOP and rules!

Langkawi International Tourism Bubble : Starts 15 November!

On 22 October 2021, the Prime Minister of Malaysia announced the approval of the Langkawi international tourism bubble!

Starting 15 November 2021, foreign tourists will be allowed to travel to Langkawi for leisure without quarantine!

Langkawi International Tourism Bubble : SOP + Rules

Foreign tourists who wish to take opportunity of this Langkawi International Tourism Bubble will need to comply with these SOP and rules.

Who Can Travel To Langkawi?

The Langkawi International Tourism Bubble will target these foreign tourists :

high yield tourists
fully-vaccinated individuals
children below 18 years old who are travelling with their fully-vaccinated parents or guardians
from a selected list of countries approved by the Immigration Department, Health Ministry and Foreign Ministry

When Will It Start?

The Langkawi International Tourism Bubble will begin on 15 November 2021, and last for 3 months.

KKM and MKN will monitor the effectiveness of this pilot program before expanding it to other resort islands and tourist destinations.

Basic Requirements

Must stay in Langkawi for a minimum of 3 days
Will not be required to quarantine
Must undergo a RT-PCR test for COVID-19 within 72 hours before departure
Must show negative RT-PCR test in digital or printed form
Must purchase insurance coverage of a minimum of US$80,000
Must use the services of a MOTAC licensed tour operator
Must fill and sign a Health Declaration Form LoU and Indemnity
Must install the MySejahtera app, and register an account before departure

Arrival

On arrival at KLIA, must undergo Rapid Molecular Testing (1.5 hours)
If flying to Langkawi, must undergo RT-PCR test for COVID-19 on Day 2
If positive for COVID-19, the tourist will be brought directly to a quarantine or isolation centre or hospital, depending on the Category
Must have a tour guide for every travel group (maximum of 20 people).
If only staying in Langkawi for 3 days, screening test on Day 2 will suffice (can be used for return trip)
If staying in Langkawi for more than 5 days, must undergo a screening test on Day 5 as well.
All costs must be borne by the tourists

Departure

Must undergo RT-PCR test for COVID-19 within 72 hours before departure.
If only stayed in Langkawi for 3 days, screening test on Day 2 can be used for the departure instead

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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.

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PPN Phase + SOP Changes On 22 October 2021!

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Malaysia just announced a slew of PPN Phase + SOP changes on 22 October 2021!

Here is what you need to know…

PPN Phase Changes On 22 October 2021!

On 22 October 2021, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Ismail Sabri, announced that :

Johor and Terengganu will be upgraded from Phase 3 to Phase 4

These PPN phase changes will take effect on Monday, 25 October 2021.

PPN SOP Changes On 22 October 2021!

The Prime Minister also announced additional SOP changes for the National Recovery Plan, which will start on different dates.

Fully-vaccinated adolescents (12 to 17 years old) will enjoy the same privileges as fully-vaccinated adults in 3 weeks.
This will not take immediate effect but three weeks later – in mid-November, to ensure that about 80% of adolescents have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
The Langkawi Island Pilot Project for International Tourism Bubble (Inbound) has been approved for 3 months, starting on 15 November 2021.This pilot tourism project allows these selected individuals to enter Langkawi Island without quarantine :
a) high yield tourists
b) fully-vaccinated individuals
c) children below 18 years old who are travelling with their fully-vaccinated parents or guardians
d) a selected list of countries approved by the Immigration Department, Health Ministry and Foreign Ministry.
These tourists must agree to these conditions :a) stay for a minimum of 3 days in Langkawi Island
b) undergo an RT-PCR test for COVID-19 within 72 hours before departure
c) purchase insurance coverage of at least US$80,000
d) must use the services of a MOTAC licensed tour operator
e) must fill and sign a Health Declaration Form LoU and Indemnity
f) must install the MySejahtera app, and register an account before departure

More details : Langkawi International Tourism Bubble : SOP + Rules!
Foreign workers can now be brought in for the plantation sector, subject to a 7-day quarantine, and these conditions :
a) must be fully-vaccinated in the country of origin (certified by WHO)
b) undergo an RT-PCR test for COVID-19 within 72 hours before departure
c) enter through KLIA 1 or KLIA 2, except for Thai workers travelling through Bukit Kayu Hitam, Wang Kelian, Betong and Rantau Panjang
d) undergo a 7-day quarantine in a quarantine centre
e) undergo an RT-PCR test on Day 2 and Day 5 of the quarantine
Foreign workers for other sectors will be decided later by the Minister of Domestic Affairs and the Minister of Human Resources.

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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.

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Malaysia Gets First Batch Of AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine!

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Malaysia just received the first batch of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine!

Find out this means for the COVID-19 vaccination program in Malaysia!

Malaysia Gets First Batch Of AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine!

On 25 April 2021, the Malaysia Health Minister announced that the first batch of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 8:20 PM on Friday, 23 April 2021.

The 268,800 doses was purchased through the COVAX vaccine sharing scheme, and are enough to vaccinate 134,400 people.

These AstraZeneca vaccine doses were manufactured in South Korea by SK Bioscience, and approved for use in Malaysia on 2 April 2021.

This is a small fraction of the 6.4 million vaccine doses that Malaysia agreed to purchase from AstraZeneca in December 2020.

AstraZeneca Vaccine : A Quick Primer!

The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, codenamed AZD1222, is a viral vector vaccine.

It uses a chimpanzee adenovirus – ChAdOx1 – which has been modified to prevent replication, to introduce a DNA sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Once injected, the vaccine enters the cell and “teaches” it to produce the SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins and express them on its surface.

These spike proteins triggers the immune response to create antibodies that will protect you against the real SARS-CoV-2 virus.

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Sinovac Vaccine Arrives In Malaysia, But Not Approved Yet

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The first batch of the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine – CoronaVac – just arrived in Malaysia.

There was not much fanfare, because the Sinovac vaccine has NOT actually been approved for use in Malaysia.

Sinovac Vaccine Arrives In Malaysia!

The first batch of the Sinovac vaccine – CoronaVac – arrived at the KL International Airport aboard MH319 at 8:47 AM on 27 February 2021.

Unlike the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the Ministry of Health obtained CoronaVac through Pharmaniaga Lifescience Sdn Bhd – an intermediary company.

Hence, the Sinovac vaccine arrived in the form of 200 litres of CoronaVac bulk vaccine, which would then have to be bottled by Pharmaniaga.

Once bottled, these 200 litres of bulk vaccine should produce over 300,000 CoronaVac doses – enough to vaccinate approximately 150,000 people.

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Khairy Jamaluddin, said that the government is paying Sinovac less for the vaccine because bottling is done by Pharmaniaga.

However, he declined to disclose more information, so it is unknown how much the government is saving, once the costs of Pharmaniaga’s bottling and distribution are included.

Sinovac Vaccine Not Approved In Malaysia Just Yet

While the CoronaVac vaccine has arrived in Malaysia, we should point out that it has not been approved by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).

Therefore, the CoronaVac vaccine will not be used just yet in the Malaysia COVID-19 vaccination program.

According to the Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, this is because the CoronaVac vaccine has not been bottled.

One of the criteria for approval by the NPRA is the evaluation of the bottling process by Pharmaniaga. Until that happens, the CoronaVac vaccine cannot be approved for use in Malaysia.

It should be pointed out that China only just approved this Sinovac vaccine for general use on 6 February 2021.

Sinovac COVID-19 Vaccine : A Quick Primer

Developed by Sinovac, CoronaVac is an inactivated virus vaccine – an older method of creating vaccines.

The SARS-CoV-2 viruses are cultured (grown) in Vero cells, and inactivated (killed) before being administered as a vaccine.

The CoronaVac vaccine only needs to be refrigerated at 2–8 °C (36–46 °F), which makes it easy to distribute.

This is a 2-dose vaccine, which the second dose delivered 14 days after the first.

Its Brazil clinical trial results showed that the CoronaVac vaccine was 50.4% effective in preventing COVID-19, just crossing the 50% mark for regulatory approval.

It was about 78% effective in preventing “mild to severe” COVID-19 disease, which is nevertheless good news.

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Klang Valley CMCO Lockdown Extended To 9 November 2020!

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The Malaysian government just announced a 2-week extension of the Klang Valley CMCO / PKPB lockdown! 😱

Klang Valley CMCO Lockdown Extended To 9 November 2020!

In a move that was not exactly unexpected, the Malaysian government just announced a 2-week extension of the Klang Valley CMCO lockdown!

Instead of ending on 27 October 2020, the CMCO / PKPB lockdown is now extended to 9 November 2020.

Klang Valley CMCO / PKPB : Same SOP?

The Malaysian government did not announce any change to the SOP, so the current CMCO / PKPB SOP should apply.

Here are some of the SOP for the CMCO / PKPB in KL, Selangor and Putrajaya :

All business, economic and industrial activity can proceed as usual.
Businesses must ensure that customers are physically distanced by 1 meter while entering or leaving their premises.
Businesses must limit the number of customers within their premise, and publicly display the maximum number of customers allowed inside.
Supermarkets, shopping malls and retail stores are allowed, but must follow the established SOP.
Restaurants, food stores, food trucks, hawkers, food courts, food stalls, food kiosks, groceries and convenience stores are allowed to open from 6 AM until 10 PM.
Dine-in is allowed but limited to 2 persons per small table or 4 persons per large table*, but must follow the Food Sector SOP.
* Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced the change on 15 October 2020.
Only in Selangor : 5 persons per large table meant for 10 people.
* Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari announced the change on 16 October 2020.
Food deliveries, drive-through purchases and food take-aways are encouraged.
Wholesale markets are allowed to open from 4 AM until 2 PM.
Daily markets are allowed to open from 6 AM until 2 PM.
Farmer’s markets are allowed to open from 6 AM until 12 PM.
Night markets are allowed to open from 4 PM until 10 PM.
Petrol stations are allowed to open from 6 AM until 10 PM, except for those on highways – they can open 24 hours
Public buses, express buses, MRT, LRT, ERL, Monorail, taxi and e-hailing services are allowed to operate.
Taxis and e-hailing vehicles are limited to 2 passengers, and allowed to operate from 6 AM until 12 midnight.
Food deliveries are allowed to operate from 6 AM until 12 midnight.
All transportation and delivery vehicles involved in industry, business, and manufacturing are allowed to continue as normal, including cross-district and cross-state travel.

For more details, please see CMCO / PKPB SOP for KL, Selangor, Putrajaya.

COVID-19 : How To Keep Safe!

Here are a few simple steps to stay safe :

Avoid suspected cases or disease hotpots, like hospitals, if possible!
Avoid public events and crowds
Keep our hands clean with soap or hand sanitiser
Keep our homes, offices, vehicles, etc. clean
If you need to wear a surgical mask, make sure you put it on and remove it properly!
Wash your food with water (and soap) after purchase and before preparation

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Interstate Travel SOP For CMCO Areas In Peninsular Malaysia

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Here is the interstate travel SOP for those who need to travel into, out of, or through CMCO areas in Peninsular Malaysia!

Peninsular Malaysia CMCO : Interstate Travel SOP

The Royal Malaysia Police recently issued the SOP for cross-state travel during the CMCO / PKPB lockdown in KL, Selangor and Putrajaya.

As announced by the Senior Minister (Security) and Defence Minister, Dato Sri Ismail Yaakob, there are FOUR (4) categories of travellers that will be permitted to undertake interstate travel.

Residents of CMCO areas who need to travel to other states for emergency reasons (medical treatments and funerals) only
Travellers who need to cross the CMCO areas for emergency reasons.
Outstation travellers who wish to enter the CMCO areas for emergency reasons.
Individuals who wish to access air transportation at KLIA, KLIA 2 and Subang Airport.

Travellers in those four categories need to fill in this form for the CMCO / PKPB Travel Permit (Permit Pergerakan Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan Bersyarat) :

For foreigners who cannot understand Bahasa Malaysia, here is our English translation of the form

To : Chief Of Police Station (name of police station)

District Administration Region : (ask the police officer to help fill this)

1. Applicant’s Details
1.1 Name : (your full name)
1.2 Identity Card : (if you have the MyKad)
1.3 Citizenship : (what is your nationality?)
1.4 Passport Number : (for non-Malaysians)
1.5 Address : (your mailing address)
1.6 Telephone Number : (the number they can reach you, preferably a mobile number)
1.7 Email Address
1.8 Type Of Vehicle / Registration Number : (your vehicle plate number)
1.9 Number of People : (how many people are travelling with you, attach their details)
1.10 Date / Time You’re Leaving Home : (when you expect to start travelling?)
1.11 : Date / Time You’re Returning Home : (when do you expect to return home?)
1.12 : Destination Address : (the complete address of your destination)

2. The reason for travelling : (explain why you need to enter, leave, or pass-through the CMCO / PKPB areas)

Applicant’s Signature
Date

For Use By Chief Of Police Station

Decision : Approved / Rejected
Comments :
Signature
Name (Capital Letters)
Rank & Position
Date

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After filling the form, travellers must submit it to the nearest police station for their approval, BEFORE they begin their journey.

Please note that ONLY TWO PERSONS are allowed to travel together.

Workers are allowed to cross into other districts or states, as long as they have a work pass or permission letter from their employer.

Peninsular Malaysia CMCO : Interstate Travel Examples

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) listed two examples of permitted cross-state travel :

Category 2

An individual from Johor travelling to Penang wishes to cross Selangor for emergency reasons. He/she must fill in the form and send it to the nearest police station in Johor for approval, before making the journey.

Category 3

An individual from Melaka would like to enter Putrajaya for emergency reasons. He/she must fill in the form and send it to the nearest police station in Melaka for approval, before making the journey.

Peninsular Malaysia CMCO : Interstate Travel FAQ

Who Needs A Travel Permit?

Only those who need to enter, exit or pass through Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya for emergency reasons must obtain a CMCO / PKPB travel permit.

Workers who need to enter or exit Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya for work reasons do NOT need to fill in the form. They only need to show their work pass / permission letter from their employers.

How Many People Can Travel Together?

Under this CMCO / PKPB travel permit, a maximum of two persons can travel together.

What If You Don’t Forgot The Permit?

If you forgot to obtain a permit prior to your travel, or forgot to take it with you, you can stop by a nearby police station to fill in a new form and obtain approval before crossing the CMCO / PKPB roadblocks.

COVID-19 : How To Keep Safe!

Here are a few simple steps to stay safe :

Avoid suspected cases or disease hotpots, like hospitals, if possible!
Avoid public events and crowds
Keep our hands clean with soap or hand sanitiser
Keep our homes, offices, vehicles, etc. clean
If you need to wear a surgical mask, make sure you put it on and remove it properly!
Wash your food with water (and soap) after purchase and before preparation

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The Galaxy Note7 Return Guidance At KLIA & KLIA2 Airports

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Just days ago, the Malaysian DCA issued a directive permitting the carriage of the Galaxy Note7 onboard aircraft flying into and out of Malaysia, subject to certain conditions. However, the directive still calls for airports and airlines to deny carriage of the Galaxy Note7 phablets.

To prevent confusion and inconvenience, Samsung Malaysia just issued specific Galaxy Note7 return guidance for users travelling via the KLIA or KLIA2 airports. They have obviously been hard at work for some time on the Galaxy Note7 return program at both airports. Take a look for yourself!

The Galaxy Note7 Return Program At KLIA & KLIA2

Here is the Galaxy Note7 return guidance at KLIA or KLIA2 :

Back up your Galaxy Note7, or transfer your files to a microSD card.
Return your Galaxy Note7 to the Samsung Galaxy Note7 booth at :
- KLIA : Level 5, Main Terminal (beside the Emirates ticketing counter)
- KLIA 2 : Mezzanine Level, Departure Hall, Sector 2
Your Galaxy Note7 will be factory-reset on the spot by Samsung Customer Service.
If your Galaxy Note7 was purchased in Malaysia – a Samsung Malaysia Customer Service representative will contact you to arrange for an exchange or refund.
If your Galaxy Note7 was purchased outside of Malaysia, you will need to provide your passport and boarding pass for verification. The Samsung Malaysia Customer Service representative will provide you with an official “Samsung Galaxy Note7 Receipt” form, acknowledging the acceptance of your Galaxy Note7. You can then contact the local Samsung Customer Service Careline of the original country of purchase to enquire about the exchange or refund of your Galaxy Note7.

Can You Borrow A Loan Device?

You can request for a loan device at the Samsung Galaxy Note7 booth located at :

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KLIA : Level 5, Main Terminal (beside the Emirates ticketing counter)
KLIA 2 : Mezzanine Level, Departure Hall, Sector 2

You will need to complete the following steps :

Please show your passport and boarding pass for verification.
Fill up the “Samsung Galaxy Note7 Receipt” form.
You will receive a loan device (subject to availability).
Upon returning to Malaysia / your home country, you need to visit the nearest Samsung Customer Service Centre to return the loan device.
The Galaxy Note7 refund / exchange process will only take place after the loan device is returned to Samsung Customer Service.

What If I Am Overseas With A Galaxy Note7 Purchased In Malaysia?

Unfortunately, Samsung Malaysia is only able to advise about the Malaysian DCA carriage permission, and the Galaxy Note7 collection at KLIA and KLIA2 airports.

If you are currently overseas with a Galaxy Note7 purchased in Malaysia, you will need to contact the local Samsung Customer Service Careline of the country you are in. They will have a country-specific return process that will allow you to return the Galaxy Note7 there, instead of bringing it back to Malaysia.

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