The Cambodian Embassy in Malaysia announced last week that students and workers, including those who have permanent or temporary residence in that country and wish to return, must pay a MYR4,700 ($1,150) fee.

However, the payment does not apply to diplomats and those allowed to quarantine at home.

“From September 24 onwards, all foreigners will have to pay MYR 4,700 or about $1,150 per passenger to Malaysian health officials stationed at international gateways,” the embassy said.

It said the processing fee breaks down to MYR2,600, accommodation is MYR150 per night while the spouse or children under the age of 12 staying in the same room pay MYR50 per night.

State Secretariat of Civil Aviation spokesman Sin Chansereyvuth told The Post on Sunday that Cambodia has not yet relaunched direct flights between the countries, but may do so soon.

Although there are now no direct flights between our countries, Cambodians can travel to Malaysia via Korea or Singapore.

Centre for Alliance of Labour and Human Rights programme coordinator Khun Tharo said there are not many workers returning to Malaysia.

Most who returned are students or ordinary citizens., but Cambodian workers who have to return due to employment contracts will meet difficulties paying the cost of quarantine.

“It must be difficult for our Cambodian workers to return to work in Malaysia with this expense adding another burden for them,” Tharo said.