MCO not necessary for Sabah

Kuala Lumpur: There is no need to implement the Movement Control Order (MCO) although it is an option to contain the spread of Covid-19 which recorded a surge in several parts of the country.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions) Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof said the national crisis management mechanism has proven successful to prevent the spread of the virus from escalating.

The mechanism, he added, has also helped prevent healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics from being overwhelmed by Covid-19 cases.

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“Although a ‘total lockdown’ can be considered, there is no need to implement such measures since we are in the recovery and ‘exit policy’ phase,” he told the House today.

Redzuan was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Barisan Nasional-Arau), who asked the government to state the reason why it has yet to implement the MCO or ‘lockdown’ although the increase in Covid-19 cases is quite critical especially in Sabah and a few areas categorized as red zonea in the peninsula.

“If a total ‘lockdown’ is implemented, it will have a negative impact on the mental health (of the people) as well as the economy (of the country).

“The government is more prone towards implementing a balance-type of controls (between containing the virus and ensuring the sustainability of livelihoods).

“This includes educating the people to embrace the new normal such as exercising physical distancing and practising good hygiene such as cleaning hands frequently using soap or sanitizer,” he said.

For Sabah, he said, the government has implemented the Conditional MCO throughout the state from Oct 13 until 26 which was extended until Nov 9.

He said the measures had enabled the Health Ministry to carry out screening and close contact tracing as well as providing necessary treatment to contain the outbreak.

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“The decision to implement CMCO is to enable economic activities to continue operating in the area.

“This will a create a balance between the need to protect the people from getting infected by the virus and generate the economy,” he said.

Meanwhile the, National Security Council (NSC) has announced a new standard operating procedure (SOP) for Deepavali, in accordance with the new normal in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the SOP for the celebration was drawn after consulting the Unity Ministry as well as Hindu community leaders.

“It has been decided that Hindus will be allowed to carry out their Deepavali prayer offering ceremony at nearby temples between 7am and 12pm, only on the first day of Deepavali,” he said.

This however must be done in batches of 30 devotees at a time.

The temple management must also provide a counter at the entrance for inspection, make sure that the devotees observe all the present SOPs including temperature screening, using the mySejahtera application, wearing face mask and to observe physical distancing while they are at the temple.

Ismail Sabri said the temples can have only five prayer sessions between the 7am and 12pm but are required to sanitise the vicinity after each prayer session. 

“Devotees suffering from chronic diseases, the elderly and children aged 12 and below are not encouraged at the temples and the prayer ceremonies must fully comply with the SOPs issued,” he said.

Meanwhile on inter state travel and house visitations this festive season, he said the rules as Hari Raya would apply.

“Interdistrict and interstate travels concerning areas and states under the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) and Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) are not allowed.

“For celebrations at landed residential homes, the number of close family members allowed to gather should not exceed 20 people at a time, whereas for Strata Residential houses with area less than 1,500 square foot, a maximum of 10 is allowed to gather at one time,” he said.

Ismail said however for an area exceeding 2,500 square foot, there can be up to 15 people at a time.