Keningau MP says he received MoH's early release from mandatory quarantine

 By Olivia Miwil - November 24, 2020 @ 9:39pm

Keningau member of parliament Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan refuted claims of non-compliance for coming to the parliament today. - NSTP/File pic (pic taken before Covid-19 pandemic)

KOTA KINABALU: Keningau member of parliament Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said he was given early release from the mandatory 14-day quarantine placed on individuals coming from Sabah.

He refuted claims of non-compliance for coming to the parliament today, although he was in Sabah 12 days ago for the Sabah State Assembly Opening Ceremony.

He said the Health Ministry had exempted him from undergoing supervision and observation under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Disease Act 1988 earlier today.

"The clearance letter, dated 23 November 2020, was signed by a medical officer from Lembah Pantai Health Office.

"Any self-quarantined individual can request for an earlier release, subject to approval from the health ministry and after undergoing all the required health screening," said the Tambunan assemblyman in a statement.

The Sabah Deputy Chief Minister added that the early release was also made after multiple swab tests and blood tests since his arrival in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 12.

Earlier, the Health Ministry had said that those coming from Sabah will no longer have to go through the mandatory 14-day quarantine but are required to do a swab test three days before departing.

However, those who are positive for Covid-19 will be referred to the nearest hospital for isolation, treatment and monitoring while those who are symptomatic will be referred for testing.