KOTA KINABALU: Those required to undergo quarantine in Sabah can now opt to stay in selected Health Ministry-sanctioned hotels instead of the designated quarantine centres.
Sabah Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Frankie Poon said for now they could choose between the Manaco Boutique Hotel and Oyo Hotel.
“However, those who choose to be quarantined at these designated hotels are required to pay for the hotel room and food themselves unlike the quarantine centres provided by the government, which are free of charge,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after touring some of the 28 gazetted quarantine centres in the state.
He said that as the hotels were all booked up by those returning from abroad, the Health Ministry might consider expanding the number of hotels to cater for such needs.
Poon, during his visit, was accompanied by Kota Kinabalu mayor Datuk Nordin Siman and Health Ministry representative Dr Mohd Azimullah Abdullah.
“The aim of the visits was to inspect the condition of the quarantine centres and to ensure they are clean, hygienic, as well as to ensure that basic necessities like water, food, face masks, toiletries, towels and blankets are provided.
"Also discussed was improving the facilities such as by providing kettles and sanitisers in each room and to provide sufficient water for the whole two week quarantine period to minimise outside contact,” he said.