U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur – Health Alert (June 29, 2021)

By U.S. Embassy Malaysia

35 MINUTE READ

June 29, 2021

U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur

Health Alert

Event: COVID-19

Location: Malaysia

(Update) Malaysian National Recovery Plan To Remain At Phase One

On June 27, 2021, the Malaysian National Security Council announced that Phase One of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), previously in effect nationwide from June 1-28, will be extended until the following three indicators are met:

The average daily COVID-19 case count drops below 4000
The rate of ICU bed usage returns to “moderate” levels
At least 10 percent of the population is fully vaccinated

Phase One of the NRP is also known as the Full Movement Control Order (FMCO), or “total lockdown.” During Phase One, only essential sectors identified by the Malaysian National Security Council are allowed to operate.

Phase Two of the NRP will be implemented once the above criteria are met. During Phase 2, additional economic sectors will be allowed to reopen.

Phase Three of the NRP will return to a lighter lockdown similar to the Movement Control Order in effect throughout Malaysia from May 12-31, during which social activities will remain prohibited but nearly all economic sectors may resume operations following strict SOPs and social distancing requirements.

The National Security Council will assess when to progress to each phase of the NRP based on daily COVID-19 numbers, hospital capacity, and vaccination rates.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Phase One of the NRP are available on the National Security Council’s website here. Additional information on the NRP is available here.

Inter-district and Interstate Travel

Individuals who need to cross district or state borders, including for travel to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, must obtain police or employer authorization prior to traveling. The police authorization form to cross states is available here. If you are considering traveling across district or state borders, please consult with local police directly for specific guidance and do not wait until the last minute to request your police authorization letter. If your travel is related to your employment, consult with your employer on the necessary documentation and when in doubt, check with local police as well.

Review MCO restrictions frequently to ensure compliance. Restrictions may be changed with little notice and are strictly enforced. Carry your U.S. passport with you at all times. If detained, request that local authorities notify the Embassy (+60-3-2168-5000), and review the ways in which we can provide assistance when a U.S. citizen is arrested abroad. For additional questions on current restrictions, please check with local police directly.

COVID-19 Test Requirement for Travel to the United States

Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the United States may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.

In addition to the CDC COVID-19 test requirement, some airlines may have additional requirements; check your airline’s COVID-19 requirements prior to traveling.

COVID-19 Testing in Malaysia

For more information on COVID-19 testing in Malaysia, please visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

The U.S. government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow Malaysian developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Malaysia, please visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 or Malaysia’s National Immunization Website. U.S. citizens who would like to be vaccinated but do not wish to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through Malaysia’s national vaccine program should consider returning to the United States to obtain the vaccine.

American Citizen Services

If you are a U.S. citizen with a life or death emergency (e.g. victim of a violent crime, arrest, reporting a death of a U.S. citizen) you may reach us at +60-3-2168-5000 or via email at: KLACS@state.gov.

Please note that routine consular services at the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur are suspended due to the FMCO in effect in Kuala Lumpur. Although routine consular services are suspended, we are offering limited emergency appointments for U.S. passports, CRBAs, and exceptional notarial services. Please complete this form https://bit.ly/2SPVSFf to request an appointment, making sure to note in detail any urgent circumstances.

IMPORTANT: Depending on your location, Malaysian police authorization may be required to travel to the Embassy as interstate travel and inter-district travel is restricted. Reach out directly to your local police for additional information on the requirements for interstate or inter-district travel. If you wish to cancel an existing consular appointment, please do so via our online appointment system or contact us at KLACS@state.gov.

We will announce any further changes in our consular services via alerts to registered U.S. citizens in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and on our Embassy’s website.

COVID-19 Information 

For more information regarding COVID-statistics in Malaysia, please review the Malaysian Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Portal and visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Malaysia. The Department of State Travel Advisory for Malaysia is Level 4 – “Do Not Travel” due to COVID-19.

Actions to Take:

Have a travel plan that does not rely on the U.S. Government for assistance.
Review and follow the CDC’s guidelines for the prevention of COVID-19.
Check with your airline or travel operator regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
Visit travel.state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security. Review what the State Department can and cannot do for you during an international crisis.
Visit our Embassy webpages on COVID-19 for information on conditions in each country or jurisdiction.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States
Visit keeping workplaces, homes, schools, or commercial establishments safe.