Residents entering Malaysia with PR status are required to undergo a 14 day quarantine procedure before they can join the community. But lately there has been a strong contention on who will have to pay for the boarding, while the Malaysian government bears the cost for its citizens, foreigners will have to pay their own.

Defense Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has indicated that action can be taken against those with Permanent Residence status who refuse to be quarantined due to payment issues. Under the current policy, only citizens receive quarantine with full board and fully paid for by the government. For couples who either spouse is Malaysian and the other with PR, will require to undergo quarantine when returning to the country and pay for the procedure on their own. The special task force on Covid came up with the decision after cases were reported that these individuals refusing to pay when leaving the hotel.

Sabri Yaakob warned those who hold PR and long term social visit pass and refuse to pay can face action from the immigration department. Although there will be no revoking of the PR status or passes, all special privileges enjoyed by these individuals can be removed. For example instead of 1 or 3 years renewal, the immigration department can chose to make them monthly or every three months.