Movement Control Order: Sarawak students in the peninsular can return home

CORONAVIRUS | There is no restriction for Sarawak students from Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah to return to their home state during the Movement Control Order period beginning tomorrow until March 31, Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg (above) said tonight.

He said these students, however, would have to undergo two-week self-quarantine in accordance with the 14-day Stay Home Notice (SHN), which he announced yesterday.

“It is up to them (if they want to return to Sarawak) as I have already discussed with the prime minister (Muhyiddin Yassin) and the higher education minister (Noraini Ahmad) that they will be allowed to stay at their campuses during the order period,” Abang Johari told reporters after chairing the State Security Council meeting at Wisma Bapa Malaysia, the state administrative centre, in Kuching.

When announcing the order on Monday night, Muhyiddin said that all schools, as well as higher learning institutions, would be closed during the period.

The directive came as among the measures taken by the government to prevent further spread of the Covid-19 currently faced in the country.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari said the state government would facilitate the enforcement of the order, which includes the closure of all government offices during the period, except departments or agencies providing essential services.

In addition, all business premises, including factories, would be closed for two weeks starting tomorrow, except for business premises that provide essential products and services.

"Only factories at Samalaju Hi-Tech (in Bintulu), Samajaya (Kuching) and plywood factories are allowed to operate with a minimum number of people working," he said, adding that restaurants and food stalls are allowed to be opened for take-away purchases, but not for dining in.

On the death of a pastor in Kuching due to Covid-19 today, Abang Johari said that the Health Department had informed the relatives of the procedures that they need to follow to arrange for his funeral during this period.

- Bernama