KOTA KINABALU – The Sabah government is relaxing some of its standard operating procedures for its extended conditional movement control order (CMCO).
Yesterday, Senior Minister (Defence) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that Sabah, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur have to contend with an extended CMCO until December 20.
In a statement last night, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Md Noor said the relaxed SOPs will not be applicable in enhanced MCO (EMCO) areas.
“For public transportation, express bus services, tour buses, stage buses, trains, ferries and passenger boat services are allowed to operate with 50% capacity to ensure physical distancing. Passengers must have on masks.
“Taxi and e-hailing services are allowed to operate with a maximum of two passengers. They must wear masks."
On movement of small boats from Sabah’s islands, Hajiji said they are only allowed to operate between 6am and 6pm with 50% capacity.
“Movement of fishing boats in ESSZone waters are allowed for those registered with the Fisheries Department. They can operate between 6am and 6pm at permitted jetties.
“This is subject to permits issued by the district police chiefs.”
Meanwhile, Hajiji said domestic tourism activities are allowed with a limited capacity as well.
“Sea and river recreational activities, such as scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, jet skiing, fun rides, water rafting and canoeing, are now allowed with 50% capacity.”
Also, restaurants, cafés, eateries, hawkers stalls and convenience stores are allowed to open from 6am until midnight.
“Tuition classes, music classes, dance classes, art classes, paid study classes, paid language classes etc are also now allowed to operate with not more than five people at a time and subject to venue space due to physical distancing.
“Busking activities, music performances and singing in an indoor location in buildings (such as restaurants, cafés, malls, hotel lounges) are also allowed with control of performance time and number of audience set by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry, and state and local authorities.”
Hajiji said from tomorrow onwards, the attendance capacity of state government offices will increase to 50% from 30%, while the remaining workforce continues to work from home.
“This applies to all civil servants in Sabah, including local authorities, state statutory bodies and state government-linked companies.”
He said admission into the state is allowed for social visits for the following categories – Malaysian domestic entry (MyKad holder, MyPR, MyKAS), holders of long-term immigration passes (non-citizens) with a valid period, and spouses and dependents.
He added that all individuals entering Sabah must undergo a RT-PCR or RTK-Ag Covid-19 test three days before the trip. Only individuals with negative test results and without Covid-19 symptoms will be allowed to enter the state.
“Likewise, individuals from Sabah travelling to the peninsula must undergo an RT-PCR or RTK-Ag test three days before leaving the state.
“Interstate and inter-district travel is allowed without police permission, except for residents living in EMCO areas.”
He advised high-risk individuals and children to avoid public and crowded areas. – The Vibes, December 6, 2020
