KOTA KINABALU – Restricted inter-district travel and the ban on contact sports, recreational and tourism activities would be imposed as Sabah braces for a second total lockdown, starting midnight tonight.
Unlike the lockdown in March last year, factories, construction, services, commerce, distribution, plantations and commodities are allowed to operate during the MCO and the Emergency Rule imposed by the federal government.
Not more than 30% of management staff and not exceeding 50% support staff can be retained during operations.
Operational hours are also limited from 6am to 8pm.
“Hotels are also allowed to operate but guests must stay in their rooms and order room service. The use of hotel facilities like gyms, swimming pools, meeting rooms, banquet halls, spa and other activities are not allowed,” said the statement issued by the chief minister’s office tonight.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced the implementation of the movement control order for Sabah and five other states, starting 12.01am on January 13 until January 26.
Earlier today, the King had also consented to the cabinet’s proposal to proclaim a state of emergency.
Both curbs were aimed at stopping the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, heavy traffic was recorded in several major townships in Kota Kinabalu as many are trying to get all the work finished before the full lockdown comes into force.
Nikkie Stephen, 42, who works for a food distribution company, said it took him close to an hour to reach Kapayan from Kota Kinabalu.
“The traffic was terrible especially near Luyang area and the city centre. Many are going to the banks and other government offices to get their business done today,” said Stephen whose office is in the city centre.
Several netizens also posted photos and videos of slow moving traffic in Putatan and along the Jalan Sulaman road indicating shoppers rushing to replenish food supplies for their homes.
Unlike the lockdown in March, panic-buying incidences had not been reported or had gone viral.
The north-bound bus terminal in Inanam township also saw a steady crowd as many rushed to get out of Kota Kinabalu, before the lockdown came into force.
“No one wants to be trapped here. Everyone needs to get home to their families before the inter-district travel ban comes into force,” said Azmi Korom, who is heading home in Ranau.
Hundreds of out-of-towners were stuck in Kota Kinabalu in the previous lockdown, forcing them to rent cheap rooms in town or stay at their relatives’ homes here.
This is the second time the MCO is being enforced in Sabah, with the first lockdown imposed in March 2020. The cases of Covid-19 spiked in Sabah in September during the 16th Sabah Election.
The third wave in Sabah started from the arrest of an illegal immigrant in the East Coast of Sabah and eventually spread into the community.
Sabah today recorded 409 new cases, bringing the total to 41,449 since March 2020. No deaths and new clusters have been found in the state today. – The Vibes, January 12, 2020.
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