Malaysians In S’pore May Return Home For 3 Hours To Attend Funerals
Our Malaysian colleagues and friends in Singapore who traversed across the Causeway daily were impacted by our neighbour’s Movement Control Order (MCO) extension till 9 Jun.
However, after more than 2 months of not being able to go home, some will finally get the chance to do so — under this recent exception.
May return for funerals of immediate family without 14-day quarantine
Malaysians will be allowed to return home for funerals of their immediate families, reported The Star.
No 14-day isolation periods will be required if returning citizens stay for a maximum duration of 3 hours.
This relaxation of the MCO was confirmed by Senior Minister for Defence Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Tuesday (26 May).
This comes after the Government of Malaysia implemented mandatory 14-day quarantines for anyone entering the country effective 3 Apr 2020.
Unclear if returnees will be quarantined in S’pore
Those attending funerals will have to return to Singapore right after the respective ceremonies. The matter of their quarantine upon return is still up in the air.
Ismail Sabri clarified that a mandatory 14-day isolation upon return to Singapore is up to the decision of our authorities.
Strict guidelines for returning Malaysians
While Malaysians can return, strict guidelines have to be followed.
For one, relatives of the deceased will only be granted a 3-hour time frame to attend respective burial ceremonies.
During this time, they will have to don full personal protective equipment (PPE). This is inclusive of a full gown, gloves and boots on top of the usual face mask.
Medical front-liners will also accompany returning Malaysians to and from the funeral to ensure maximum safety.
Meaningful final send-offs now possible
The relaxed ruling comes after videos surfaced of a distressed Malaysian bus driver in Singapore receiving the news of her husband’s death.
Passersby noticed the bus driver breaking down in an empty bus before offering tissues and company until help arrived.
This lady is but one of many bereaved Malaysians looking to return to their homes to give their loved ones a final send-off.
With this new ruling, we hope they’ll finally be able to do so.
Featured image adapted from NS Medical Devices and Flickr.
