Leaving home, interstate travel, roadblocks: What you need to know

KINIGUIDE | As the movement control order continues, many Malaysians still have questions about what exactly this entails and if they can leave their homes.

Some are spreading claims that the nation is headed for a lockdown because of police presence on the streets.

Malaysians have been repeatedly advised to stay at home for the two-week period as this will limit new infections during the virus' incubation period.

However, there are exceptions.

Can I go out to buy food and groceries?

Yes. But you are advised to return home immediately after and to limit the number of family members that you bring with you.

You can also buy meals from restaurants, but only for take-away.

You can also go out to seek medical treatment.

If you must go out, please observe social distancing at all times, such as standing one metre apart from others. Imagine there is a motorcycle between you and the person in front of you.

Can I go to work?

Those working in essential services as well as in select services and industries that are exempted can go to work.

A list of services that are allowed to operate can be found here, while factories that are exempted from the restriction order can be found here.

Those working in agriculture, fisheries, and plantations related industries are also allowed to go out and work.

Can I attend a wedding reception, hang out with friends at the mamak or go shopping at the mall?

No. Please stay at home.

Can I travel out of state?

According to a federal gazette published on Wednesday, you must have written permission from the police to travel out of state.

Previously, Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said there are four criteria for those who want to travel out of state.

1. If a close family member has died;

2. If a family member is seriously ill;

3. If people need medical treatment for themselves or for their family members; or,

4. Other matters at the discretion of the police station chief.

Hamid said on Tuesday night, before the gazette was issued, that police were suspending the requirement to obtain permission after people began swarming police stations.

He said police will revisit the measure once it has come up with a better mechanism.

However, the government is advising people not to leave for their hometowns during the order period as this can lead to the virus being spread.

The elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions are especially vulnerable to the disease.

So why are there police roadblocks?

The police roadblocks are there to advise people to comply with the movement control order.

"For now, we will advise those who are outside to only go out when necessary or for emergencies," Selangor CID chief Fadzil Ahmat was quoted as saying by The Star last night.

He said this includes advising people not to go out in groups when buying food and necessities.

Meanwhile, police are also patrolling the streets in an effort to encourage people to stay at home and avoid social gatherings.

IGP Hamid said he did not want police to resort to drastic measures such as making arrests and thus advised people to comply with the movement control order.

Will there be an emergency or full lockdown?

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the movement control order period may be extended if people don't comply.

Defence Minister Ismal Sabri Yaakob also said that the military may be roped in if Malaysians still refuse to comply with the order.

But for now, Ismail said he believes in the police's capability to improve the compliance rate, which is currently at 60 percent.

However, he said police may change their strategy from giving advice to taking tougher action if the order is not heeded. - Mkini