KUALA NERUS – Interstate travel is still not allowed, even among areas designated as green zones, says Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said this is because the Health Ministry is still ‘sensitive’ with regard to state-crossing permits as the leeway given in December last year resulted in 32 new Covid-19 clusters.
“Currently, (interstate) travel is only allowed through travel agencies, as we will know details of the trips. If they go with a tour company, their trip will be notified to the police, who will then know which area they are going to and their travel itinerary.
“But if we allow private travel, for example, Perak is a green zone, Kedah is a green zone, Langkawi is also a green zone – suppose people from Perak want to go to Langkawi, they have to go through Penang. How would we know if they are really going to Langkawi? Who would know if they ended up going to Penang instead?” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after a working visit to the 18th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment based at the Sri Pantai Seberang Takir Camp in Kuala Nerus here today.
Meanwhile, Ismail reiterated that no one, including VIPs, would be exempt from legal action if found violating the rules or standard operating procedures (SOPs) set for the prevention and control of the pandemic.
He said even prior to this, legal action has been taken against some VIPs, such as ministers and deputy ministers, for violating the SOPs.
Meanwhile, Ismail said so far, a total of 21,791 military personnel have received the Covid-19 vaccine under the first phase, which involves personnel working at the front lines, such as at roadblocks, and those serving abroad like in Lebanon and the Philippines.
In another development, Ismail said the Sri Pantai Seberang Takir Camp, which houses the 18th RMR Battalion, has received an allocation of about RM30 million for development and upgrading projects.
He said this comprises the construction of a polyclinic involving an allocation of RM25 million, which will not only benefit about 800 personnel at the camp, but also the nearby community, while a new mosque involving an allocation of RM5 million with the capacity to hold a congregation of 1,000 will also be open to the public.
“Construction work on the health polyclinic began in January this year and is expected to be completed by January 2023. (Construction on) the new mosque also began in January this year and it is expected to be ready by November next year,” he said. – Bernama, March 20, 2021
