Opposition Members of Parliament today hope the government can consider picking up the tab for the cost of swab test and quarantine for COVID-19 for qualified citizens especially those working in Singapore.
Pulai Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said the quarantine cost of RM2,100 was a burden to the workers who could not afford it.
Salahuddin, who is also Parti Amanah Negara (AMANAH) deputy president, said that there were some from among Malaysian citizens who were forced to return home due to financial constraints or over security issues.
''We hope the government can consider the matter because the workers constitute the poor who are seeking subsistence in Singapore,'' he told reporters at Parliament, today.
Johor Bahru Member of Parliament Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the state government must take the responsibility of paying the cost of quarantine, as done by the Sarawak government, if the federal government did not do so.
The government decided that all Malaysians returning from abroad and foreign citizens entering Malaysia must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine at quarantine stations decided by the government from July 24.
Every individual undergoing the mandatory 14-day quarantine at a quarantine station would incur RM4,700 in costs.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was quoted as saying that each Malaysian undergoing quarantine must pay a maximum RM2,100 or 44.7 per cent in hotel room charge and three meals a day.
The government would bear the balance of RM2,600 or 55.3 per cent including transport charge from the border entry gate to the quarantine station, costs of food and drinks, self protection equipment of the health, security and secretariat personnel and the cost of cleaning and decontamination at the quarantine station.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Aug 03 2020
Pulai Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said the quarantine cost of RM2,100 was a burden to the workers who could not afford it. - Filepic/BERNAMA
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.