KUALA LUMPUR – Residential building managements have the prerogative to introduce stringent measures to combat Covid-19 in their premises, said Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
This includes compelling tenants and visitors to undergo Covid-19 swab tests, he said in a press conference today.
He added that the government will not prevent the introduction of such measures if they are meant to ensure the safety of residents.
“The management office of condominiums and apartments, or other residential areas, can come up with such rules if deemed fit.
“Although there is no policy from the National Security Council requiring Covid-19 tests for tenants or visitors, we won’t stop the management from issuing such directives in the name of safety,” he said.
He was asked if such rulings were allowed, after several condominium management were said to have ordered tenants to undergo swab tests, especially for foreigners, failing which they are not allowed to enter.
On concerns that allowing interstate travel for long-distance married couples beginning yesterday could lead to new clusters, Ismail Sabri said this was done on the basis of compassion.
“When we did the MCO last year, some were not able to meet their spouses and children for months, even if they were sick. So, we feel that there are times when the couples really need to see each other. Out of compassion, we have allowed this.”
However, he warned the public not to abuse this flexibility of procedure and reminded that only those without symptoms are allowed to travel, and with police approval.
Ismail Sabri said the International Trade and Industry Ministry has informed him that nine factories and 16 other business premises have been ordered to close today for flouting government standard operating procedures.
Among others, he said Covid-19 cases have been detected in some factories, while there are businesses that continue to operate despite not being included in the list of essential services. – The Vibes, January 28, 2021
