JOHOR BARU (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Only 400 Malaysian workers in Singapore are allowed to return per day, and they must first apply for an entry permit before heading back, Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said on Sunday (April 26).

His comments followed that of Johor health and environment committee chairman R. Vidyananthan who said earlier that the move would be imposed starting on Monday.

"Those wishing to return to Malaysia must apply for an entry permit from the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore," Datuk Seri Ismail said, adding that they would be quarantined at designated centres for two weeks upon their arrival.

"They must apply via email to stmsg@mhc.org.sg at least two days before the travel date," he said.

Those applying for the permit will need to provide their name, identity card number, passport number, departure date and documents such as a copy of their work pass, long-term pass, permanent resident pass or student's pass.

"The entry permit will be e-mailed to them and they will need to show the document to Malaysian Immigration officers when entering the country," Mr Vidyananthan said earlier Sunday.

Mr Vidyananthan previously said that Malaysians returning from Singapore would not be allowed to self-quarantine at home and would instead be sent to a government quarantine station or the hospital.

Some 900 Malaysians in Singapore have so far applied to return home in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Ismail said.

More Malaysian workers are expected to make their way back from Singapore after the Republic on April 7 began implementing stricter measures to address the pandemic under a period known as the circuit breaker.

The circuit-breaker, which has been extended until June 1, has seen most workplaces and schools shut in order to reduce the risk of infections.