Visitors tested for Covid-19 before heading to Langkawi

By P. Manurachna

KUALA PERLIS, Sept 17: Malaysians flocked to Langkawi from Thursday as it became the country’s first holiday hotspot to reopen after a coronavirus lockdown.

The Health Ministry has made it compulsory for those who wish to visit Langkawi to get themselves tested for Covid-19 before making their trip to the island.

The ferry terminal at Kuala Perlis jammed packed with visitors from all over Malaysia.

Two COVID testing counters are set up at terminal, one for self testing kit (RM19.90) and another for swab test with instant result (RM28).

With the self kit, forms to be filled and the test will be done with the witness of medical officer for verification of test result.

Nasal Swab test instantly gives results within 15 minutes. There are three medical practitioners with four assistance from private clinic given wages by an organization.

“Today is our first day here as this tests’ result is more reliable and it complies well with SOP, few of us will travel daily from Alor Setar to here to do this test for travellers to Langkawi,” said Dr Kavivarmah.

There are nearly 50 tests done from morning for first batch travellers and there were zero cases reported, he added.

Malaysia Civil Defense Department (APM) has stationed 30 officers to aid the SOP compliance from yesterday.

Perlis APM Operation Head Kapt. Mohd Ruhaizul bin Md Isa, said an approximate of 2,000 travellers are expected to take ferry today.

There were 3,000 of them yesterday.

He also added that only 50 per cent of total capacity are allowed in three ferries. There are also roro(car carrier) bringing travellers. We are compiling with SOP for safety precautions.

Even if instant tests’ result be negative, strict SOP should be adhered by every one who have travelled to Langkawi for vacation.