KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians hoping to usher in the new year with a bang following a tough 2020 marred by Covid-19 will be left disappointed as no large-scale celebrations are allowed.
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said only small, private celebrations among family and friends are permitted.
“In terms of big gatherings, including celebrations at KLCC Park, for example, we do not allow them as social distancing would be impossible to regulate,” he told a press conference that aired live today.
Ismail was asked if Malaysia intends to follow in the footsteps of several other nations to cancel New Year celebrations.
To a separate question on if the government plans to bar entry for Malaysians returning from the United Kingdom, South Africa and Hong Kong – where a new Covid-19 strain has been identified – Ismail said this would not be the case, as it is against the law.
“They have a right to return home. This is the guarantee provided in our constitution, and under the Immigration Act, it also mentions that we cannot prohibit our citizens from returning.
“However, they will certainly have to undergo quarantine and abide by all SOPs,” he added.
As for foreign citizens from the three countries, Ismail said all non-Malaysians are still not allowed to enter the country as long as the borders remained closed, as has been the case thus far.
“At the moment, we have not reopened our borders other than for specific cases, such as for diplomats and expatriates. This is why we have not made any announcements pertaining to the matter.
“I did announce last week that foreign students studying here can re-enter Malaysia, but they have to abide to strict SOPs. In any case, we have already said that those from the UK will not be allowed in,” he said. – The Vibes, December 28, 2020
