Sabahans ready to be quarantined after voting

JOHOR BARU: For those returning here to work after casting their vote in the Sabah election, a test is awaiting them, which they hope to get through.

“I have taken all precautions to avoid this from happening,” said teacher Armadi Derus, referring to Covid-19 infection.

The Health Ministry announced on Saturday that all travellers from Sabah must be tested at the airport upon arrival.

These travellers are required to quarantine at home until test results confirm they are free of the novel coronavirus.

The requirements, which are enforced on travellers from Sabah arriving in Peninsular Malaysia until Oct 10, came about following the rise in Covid-19 cases in Sabah.

These individuals will be required to wear a wristband during quarantine. If the person displays symptoms of respiratory tract infection within 14 days of returning, he or she will have to undergo another screening for Covid-19.

Armadi, 35, said the ministry’s latest announcement came as a surprise to him.

“But I will definitely abide by the new ruling,” he said.

He said he had practised physical distancing and avoided crowds in Tawau.

Armadi also said that he had received an email from the airline company he was travelling with, informing him about the new ruling.

“I was told that I could either have the Covid-19 test here or upon arriving at KLIA,” he said.

Marketing manager Criz Cheu is worried about living arrangements if he is required to quarantine in Kuala Lumpur.

“I was supposed to fly from Sandakan to Kuala Lumpur as the flight ticket was cheaper than flying straight to Johor Baru.

“Although the test will be made free for us, I will have to pay for my own accommodation if I am quarantined in Kuala Lumpur,” said Cheu.

Cheu hoped that he would be allowed to board a bus from the airport in Kuala Lumpur to Johor Baru, so that he could be quarantined at his own home.

“Thankfully, my employer is understanding. He told me earlier, even before the ruling was announced, that I might have to work from home for two weeks as a precaution,” he said.

Another Sabahan, who only wanted to be known as Veleria, is scheduled to fly back to Johor today after returning to her hometown in Penampang on Sept 17.

“I have already informed my company that I may have to be quarantined,” she said.

Teething problems: Armadi (left) thought he would be in Johor by Sunday night and be able to go to work as usual on Monday, while Cheu is worried about his living arrangements during mandatory home quarantine.