[Updated on 1 June 2021]
Malaysians are going through some challenging times during the pandemic. While we're staying home and practising social distancing in public places, you might know someone who needs to undergo a mandatory quarantine in Malaysia. If they're looking for a quarantine packing checklist or things to bring for quarantine in Malaysia, we hope this helps!
Quarantine regulations in Malaysia
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia, all Malaysians and non-Malaysians arriving in Malaysia are required to provide COVID-19 RT-PCR test results.
- The test must be conducted 3 days before arrival to Malaysia and presented to health authority at the point of entry.
- The negative test result must be in the form of a certified laboratory report or a report issued by a registered medical practitioner
- The test result must be written in English or Bahasa Malaysia
Upon arrival, all travellers are required to undergo a mandatory quarantine. You'll be assigned to a hotel or government-designated quarantine centre.
- 7-day quarantine if the RT-PCR is shown at the point of entry or
- 10-day quarantine if the RT-PCR was unable to be provided at the point of entry
Patients would also need to undergo a 10-day mandatory quarantine if they're showing symptoms of COVID-19.
What is it like staying in a quarantine centre in Malaysia?
If you're travelling to Malaysia from abroad or identified as a COVID-19 patient, you'll be sent to a quarantine centre at a hotel or government-designated facility. In an exclusive interview with The Star, Muhamad Afifie Chan bin Mahadie Chan shared his experience at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) quarantine centre in Selangor, including the daily meals he received and the reality of the quarantine situation in the centre.
However, the conditions of quarantine centres might differ according to locations. On 18 May 2021, Free Malaysia Today shared stories about the current state of quarantine centres in Serdang (Selangor) and Jawi (Penang), and we recommend doing your research to prepare ahead for your quarantine in Malaysia.
Things that are provided during quarantine in Malaysia
- 3 meals daily and fruits
- Mineral water
- Plastic cutlery
- Kettle
- Instant coffee and tea
- Sugar sachets
- Towel
- Trash bag
- Shampoo and soap
- Toilet paper
- Bedsheet and blanket
- Charging ports
- WiFi
Things to bring for quarantine in Malaysia
We hope this quarantine packing checklist will serve as a proper guide on things to bring for quarantine in Malaysia. The following list is optional and you can bring other necessities as you fit.
Clothing and footwear
- 1-2 weeks worth of clothes (depending on the quarantine duration)
- Sweater, socks and blanket (in case your hotel room or quarantine centre is cold)
- Towel
- Bathroom slippers
- Sandals
Medicine
- Vitamins and supplements
- Panadol or ointment (for headaches)
- Charcoal pills (for stomach aches)
- Strepsils (for sore throat)
- Plasters (for cuts)
Food essentials
- Cereal bar
- Instant coffee or tea sachets
- Noodle cups
- Biscuits or any dry snacks
- Condiment packets (e.g. tomato sauce, chilli sauce, and soy sauce)
- A large mug
- Ziplock bag
- Water tumbler
- A large food container (to double as plate and food storage)
Tech essentials
- Laptop or tablet
- Travel adapter
- Phone charger
- Phone cables
- Laptop charger
- HDMI cable (for hotel quarantine)
- Powerbank
- SIM card (if you arrive from overseas)
- Headphones
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo (if you prefer to use your own)
- Shower gel (if you prefer to use your own)
- Shaver and shaving cream (for men)
- Sanitary pads (for women)
- Skincare products
- Body moisturiser
- Face masks
- Hand sanitiser
- Wet wipes and tissue
- Dettol or any anti-bacterial spray
- Waterproof bag for shower essentials and toiletries
- Small scissors and nail clippers
- Sleep mask and ear plugs (if you're a light sleeper)
Miscellaneous
- Books and magazines
- Board games or card games
- Netflix and Kindle subscription
- Laundry detergent and laundry bag
- Dishwashing liquid and sponge (if you're staying in a hotel)
- Pen (if you're staying in a quarantine centre)
If you have limited luggage space and plan to order online
- Most quarantine centres allow family members to deliver food and other essentials
- Delivery services are allowed and you can order via Tesco Online, HappyFresh, Jaya Grocer, GrabMart, BabyDash and more
- We recommend checking in advance for food and essentials that are allowed in the quarantine centre. For example, some quarantine centres do not allow canned drinks.
We hope this checklist will be useful for anyone who is staying in a quarantine centre in Malaysia. As we persevere through the pandemic, we also hope that you'll stay safe, wear a mask at all times and practice social distancing when you're out and about.