KUALA LUMPUR – Regulations enforcing movement restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, which lapsed yesterday, have been extended by three months and will now take effect until March 31.
This follows the extension of the Declaration of Infected Local Areas Order and Measures within Infected Local Areas Regulations under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.
They were signed by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba and gazetted last night.
The gazette was shared on the National Security Council’s Telegram channel past midnight.
The gazette states that no person shall enter or exit a place that has been subjected to an enhanced movement control order unless given permission to do so.
It also specifies that international tourism, participation in procession, activities in pubs and nightclubs, as well as others involving the attendance of a large crowd that makes it difficult to exercise social distancing are prohibited.
Any gatherings, including congregation for prayers, are subject to the directions of the director-general.
Additionally, the gazette states that an authorised officer may direct any citizen or foreigners to undergo health screening upon arrival in Malaysia before proceeding for immigration clearance.
As for employers who hire foreign citizens, they may be directed to send employees for Covid-19 testing, the cost of which shall be fully borne by the former.
A separate gazette states that employers of foreign workers shall also pay any quarantine cost and expenses for staff treated at such stations.
Those who contravene any provision under the regulations shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM1,000 or a maximum six-month jail term, or both.
Meanwhile, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is expected to make an announcement in regard to the extension of the nationwide recovery movement control order, which ended at midnight last night. – The Vibes, January 1, 2021
