Permanent Residents, long-term social visit pass holders liable to quarantine costs - Ismail Sabri

The government has warned that it will take strict action against all spouses and family members of Malaysian citizens who are Permanent Residents and long-term social visit pass holders if they refuse to pay the required quarantine costs.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said action would be taken including the abolition of immigration facilities they had previously enjoyed.

He said the government had also asked the Attorney General's Chambers to look into the matter for the implementation of legal action against those who remained stubborn.

"To date, the government has to bear the cost of quarantine for Malaysian citizens only.

"For spouses and family members of Malaysians who are Permanent Residents and long-term social visit pass holders, the cost of quarantine must be borne by them.

"If they refuse to pay the costs, all privileges granted by the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) will be withdrawn until they pay the outstanding costs and (accommodation) of the hotel during this quarantine period.

"For example, the privilege that can be withdrawn is the process of renewing permits previously made once every two years, maybe after that they have to do it once every three months," he said at a daily press conference here on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said 231 quarantine centres were operating on Wednesday compared to 229 the previous day, with the total individuals undergoing mandatory quarantine process at 14,496.

"Yesterday, 416 Malaysians returned home and were forced to quarantine.

"A total of 33,807 Malaysians returning from overseas have been quarantined since April 3.

"To date, 26,121 individuals have completed the mandatory quarantine period and are allowed to return home," he said.