PUTRAJAYA: Individuals undergoing the seven-day mandatory quarantine after returning from the umrah pilgrimage will have to wear a digital detection device starting next week, says Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin

       Speaking at a press conference on Covid-19 developments here on Saturday (Dec 25), Khairy said the move was taken after 30 out of the 49 new cases involving the Omicron variant in Malaysia detected between Dec 23 and 24 were cases imported from Saudi Arabia.

       "All of them arrived from Saudi Arabia beginning Dec 13 until Dec 17. We discovered that a large number of them did not comply with the directive to isolate themselves from their family members but continued to meet with them. In fact, they were also found to be entertaining guests," said Khairy.

       "Maybe guests and family members shook hands with them in the hope of receiving blessings but unfortunately they were actually getting Omicron,” he added.

       Khairy said the failure to adhere to the quarantine directive can potentially result in an increased transmission of Omicron variant infections in the country.

       "I hope the quarantine directive is observed. This is serious. We asked them to complete their quarantine at home and not in hotels to save costs. So please comply,” he said.

       Khairy also said to date, 62 Omicron variant cases have been recorded in the country, where 62 cases were imported and one is a local infection.

       In light of the new development, Khairy said Malaysia will include Saudi Arabia in the list of high risk countries along with nine other countries namely the United Kingdom, the United States, Denmark, Australia, France, Norway, Canada, India and Nigeria.

       Khairy added the government strongly encourages those who intend to travel overseas to get their Covid-19 booster shots. - Bernama