Effective midnight tonight, the Movement Control Order will see the restriction of movements by the public in efforts to “flatten the curve” of the recent Covid-19 spike.
Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Abdul Hamid Bador said this order will also apply to movements between state to state and district to district.
“It’s not a curfew but the Movement Control Order which will see most without work (unless you work remotely) begins from 18th March to the end of the month, shouldn’t be taken advantage of as an opportunity to travel,” said the IGP.
Confident that this order is able to contain the rapid spread of Covid-19, the IGP said that those who insist (with good reason) on interstate travel should apply for a “special document” at the nearest police station.
Ideally one should provide some form of paperwork to prove the necessity of their travels when applying for the document. This also applies to those travelling between states via public transportation, i.e. buses.
There is no quota as to how many of these documents will be issued per day or restrictions of how many individuals can travel together. The IGP also highlighted that it wouldn’t take long to acquire this document at the police station.
There will be no police officers placed at state borders although should the situation escalate and require such drastic measures, action will be taken.
For now, the public is still free to pop by the shops for supply runs and such although those who ignore this order for unnecessary travels, outings or gatherings, could be fined and jailed up to five years.
