KUALA LUMPUR – The Health Ministry has suggested that the government postpone the lifting of the interstate travel ban ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, said Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
The health minister said Ramadan bazaars will also be closed if they are found linked to Covid-19 clusters.
“The number of Covid-19 cases is on the rise and does not show signs of stabilising.
“This is amid many parties appealing to the government for the interstate travel ban to be lifted for the upcoming Raya festivities,” he told a press conference after launching the book Malaysia Health Sector Response to Covid-19 Pandemic – Perspectives From the Field at the Health Ministry in Putrajaya today.
The reason behind the ministry’s recommendation is due to the new variants of the coronavirus emerging within several communities, he said.
Asked whether those who have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine will be exempt from the travel ban for the upcoming celebrations, Dr Adham said the ministry is still awaiting findings and feedback from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“We are waiting for WHO and CDC to explain to us whether that can be allowed. However, for those who are frontliners, interstate travel will be allowed, as it is a requirement for them to work.”
Yesterday, the ministry empowered mayors, local council heads and enforcement officers to issue compounds for offences under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, or Act 342, including violations of the standard operating procedures at Ramadan bazaars.
Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in a statement said this comes after numerous public complaints were made on SOP violations at bazaars across the country.
He said local councils are urged to take the appropriate action to ensure the SOPs released by the ministry and National Security Council are adhered to.
The movement control order (MCO) will be imposed in seven Kelantan districts – Kota Baru, Pasir Mas, Pasir Puteh, Bachok, Machang, Tumpat and Tanah Merah – from tomorrow to April 29.
The Health Ministry reported that there has been a 30.5% increase in cases – from 756 to 1,088 – and all seven districts are classified as red zones.
There were also nine clusters reported, with a high infectivity rate in the communities involved.
Roadblocks have been set up at all district and state borders, and only economic activities sanctioned by the ministry are allowed to operate, with the rest to follow the general MCO SOPs issued on February 26.
Sarawak Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas is expected to issue a statement today on whether the MCO will be imposed in Kuching, Bintulu, Miri, Sibu and Meradong.
Malaysia logged 2,148 Covid-19 infections today, bringing the national tally to 367,977.– The Vibes, April 15, 2021
