KUALA LUMPUR – If you thought that you do not need any permit from the authorities to travel to your workplace if it is within the same district or neighbourhood as your home, think again.
All those travelling to and from work under the current lockdown must carry on their persons the approval letter from the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) – even if they live within the same locality as the workplace.
This is to avoid any trouble should they be stopped or questioned by the police, according to a spokesman from the ministry.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the officer told The Vibes that the letter issued by Miti will serve as documentary proof that a person is required to attend work and that the company has been approved for operation.
“All staff must have the letter too, even if they are working within the same district or vicinity,” he said today.
“Since non-essential travelling is not permitted, obviously you will need that letter if you leave your house to go to work.
“But just as a reminder to all – if you are travelling between states to work I also suggest you get approval from your nearest police station.”
The officer was addressing several questions that have been highlighted to The Vibes pertaining to confusion surrounding the requirement of the Miti letter.
Under the current nationwide movement control order (MCO 3.0), only companies listed under essential services are allowed to operate, with staff requiring the approval letter from Miti in order to travel.
Malaysians are also not allowed to travel beyond a 10km radius from their house to buy essential items or seek medical services.
On a separate issue, the spokesman said even if a business operator is registered and licensed under the respective local councils, it still requires Miti’s approval to operate during the lockdown.
This, he said, is because their operations will take place under the government-mandated MCO 3.0.
“They still have to register under the Covid-19 Intelligent Management System (CIMS) 3.0. Their applications will then be considered by the respective ministries.
“So, for restaurant operators, for example, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry will go through the application and provide approval. We (Miti) will then issue the letter, with the approving ministry’s name on it,” he said. – The Vibes, June 4, 2021
