PETALING JAYA: While a quarantine may sound daunting for some, it appears to be a pleasant experience for others, as two Malaysian students found after being placed under mandatory isolation at a government centre following their return from Indonesia.

Udayana University final-year medical student S. Mugiillan, who was whisked off to Akademi Kepimpinan Pendidikan Tinggi (Akept) in Bandar Enstek, Negri Sembilan, after returning from Bali on Thursday morning, has nothing but praise for the facilities there and the treatment they received.

The private room is equipped with air-conditioning, a fan and WiFi while their en suite bathroom comes with a water heater.

“It’s like staying in a hotel, we are provided hot meals and also snacks like biscuits and coffee, water and a kettle.

“I really appreciate the effort by the government. It’s designed to keep us comfortable.

“The one and only rule is you can’t go see anyone or have anyone in your room, ” said the Port Dickson native.

The government had announced that all Malaysians returning from overseas would be sent to quarantine for 14 days to combat the transmission of Covid-19.

Mugiillan said although initial news was that the mandatory quarantine would only start yesterday, a letter from the Malaysian Embassy in Indonesia announced that it would be enforced starting Wednesday.

Upon landing at KLIA, Mugiillan and other returning Malaysian students went through screening and health checks.

“I registered a temperature of 37.6°C so I was taken into an examination room. Shortly after, I had oral and nasal swabs taken and they gave me some medication, ” said Mugiillan, who experienced no other symptoms besides the elevated body temperature.

After reaching Akept, Mugiillan said they were instructed to change into hospital attire and had their street clothes, luggage and bags disinfected before being given face masks and a key to their own room.

For the duration of his quarantine, he will have check-ins with the medical officer on duty or communicate with them via WhatsApp to inform them of his condition.

Mugiillan, who took a Covid-19 test, said the result would be known in a week or so.

Pavitha Muha, who was among the 166 local students who arrived from Indonesia, recounted her experience via a series of tweets on Thursday as she underwent the mandatory 14-day quarantine at Institut Aminuddin Baki (IAB) in Nilai, a 25-minute drive away from KLIA.

“Upon arrival (at IAB), we were given food and green hospital-like attire to change into, ” she tweeted.

Pavitha said every student was given their own room that comes with a TV set, air-conditioning, water heater and a study table.

“It was beyond what we expected. The Health Ministry did a good job.”

Food is also delivered to their doorstep, said Pavitha, adding that it comes with a storage box containing bottled mineral water and buns.

She is also pleased with the WiFi connection at IAB.

To show gratitude for the treatment they received, Pavitha said she had started a 14-day challenge of leaving appreciative notes to those tending to their needs.

“Not only the Health Ministry but I’m sure the entire government, workers, sponsors and (food) production factories are behind making all this possible.

“Stay home safe and do pray for us in quarantine to complete the 14 days and go home to our families without being tested positive, ” Pavitha said.