Malaysians who want to be quarantined at five-star hotels after returning from overseas must pay for the cost themselves, said Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob on April 7.

And for those who choose to do so, they can choose to stay only at hotels gazetted by the government.

This issue had gone viral on social media in Malaysia, which prompted Ismail Sabri to explain why certain four- and five-star hotels are gazetted as quarantine centres.

"When we enforced the compulsory quarantine, it was to be adhered by Malaysians returning from abroad as well as foreigners, such as ambassadors and diplomats entering the country," he said.

"Embassies have approached us to allow their representatives to be quarantined at hotels and will bear the full cost of stay for their diplomats.

He added: "That is why we have gazetted certain hotels as quarantine centres."

Malaysians will likewise have to fully bear the expenses, he explained.

One such luxury hotel utilised as a quarantine centre is Sunway Hotel in Petaling Jaya, in Selangor.

Malaysia quarantine arrangements

Malaysians returning from abroad and foreigners who are permitted to enter the country will be placed under a 14-day quarantine starting April 3.

To cope with the influx of returnees, the government had gazetted hundreds of premises and facilities, including four- and five-star hotels as quarantine centres.

There are currently 7,500 people in 122 quarantine centres nationwide.

Ismail Sabri said the government limits the budget for accommodation and food to RM150 (S$49) per day.

Other expenses such as laundry will be borne by the quarantined individual.