How Pandemic Sops Have Changed Since the Endemic Transition

If you have been wondering whether you still need to keep the MySejahtera app on your phone, you are not alone. While the app was once a constant companion for every outing during the pandemic, the requirements for its use have changed significantly over the years.

The shift away from mandatory scanning

In the past, scanning a QR code was a standard part of entering any shop or office in Malaysia. However, as the country transitioned into the endemic phase, these rules were relaxed. As of April 2022, it is no longer mandatory for individuals to scan MySejahtera QR codes or have their vaccination status checked before entering public premises . This change was part of a broader nationwide effort to ease standard operating procedures for the public.

Who still needs to use the app?

While general check-ins are no longer required, the app remains relevant for specific health management purposes. Individuals who are marked as "high risk" or those issued a Home Surveillance Order (HSO) after testing positive for COVID-19 are still restricted from entering public premises . Additionally, the app continues to serve as a tool for reporting self-test results and managing HSO enforcement to help the Ministry of Health monitor infectious disease transmission .

A look back at the app's origins

It is worth remembering how far the platform has come since its early days. In 2020, the app was introduced as a primary tool for contact tracing, with the government even moving to make its use mandatory for businesses to help contain the spread of the virus . Similarly, in 2022, travellers entering Malaysia were required to register and complete pre-departure forms via the app to comply with entry protocols during the transition to the endemic phase .