The Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) has been reactivated as a COVID-19 Low-Risk Quarantine and Treatment Centre (PKRC) for foreign patients.
Photo via Prime Minister's Office of Malaysia
According to Astro Awani, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the decision to reopen MAEPS was made following the sudden increase in COVID-19 cases and the implementation of the screening programme for foreign workers by the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO).
The PKRC at MAEPS was first opened on 16 April and was closed on 15 July.
Ismail Sabri said in a press conference on Wednesday (9 December) that the centre will only receive foreign COVID-19 patients who fall in category one (not symptomatic) and category two (slightly symptomatic).
Photo via Prime Minister's Office of Malaysia
“The activation will also involve the transfer process of foreign COVID-19 patients from the Sungai Buloh Health Ministry Training Institute (ILKKM) to MAEPS in Serdang,” he said.
The PKRC has treated 1,362 COVID-19 patients, comprising of foreigners (86%), as well as locals (14%).
Previously, the centre only had 614 beds, but currently, MAEPS has approximately 10,000 beds ready to be utilised based on three phases, namely phase one (3,000 beds), phase two (3,300 beds), and phase three (3,700 beds).
He also added that safety precautions will be enforced by the police and the Malaysian Armed Forces.
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
