CMCO rule change: Now three people per vehicle allowed

 

The National Security Council (NSC) has revised the “two per vehicle” rule to now allow three people from the same household to travel in a vehicle in areas under a conditional movement control order (MCO).

This was announced by Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob at a press conference today.

The rule change is effective immediately and will apply to private vehicles as well as e-hailing and taxi services, he said.

Ismail explained that the decision was made in light of feedback from both the police and the public.

“The police informed us that it was sometimes difficult to know when to use discretion (to allow exemptions to the two per household per vehicle rule).

“And there have been many complaints and opinions from the public asking for the rules to be loosened.

“That is why the NSC meeting agreed on some leeway by allowing three persons per vehicle,” he said.

For e-hailing and taxi services, he said each driver will be able to pick up two passengers per trip.

Police will continue to be given discretion on when to allow exemptions.

The minister did not specify if any subsequent changes had been made to the rule allowing only two people per family to leave the house to obtain essentials, food or to dine.

A written statement of his talking points merely stated that the new rule allows for “three persons from the same house to be in one vehicle”.

Malaysiakini has sought clarification from the NSC and understands that the latest version of conditional MCO standard operating procedures will be published soon.

Ismail’s daily press conferences are restricted to government-owned media Bernama and RTM only. Private and independent media organisations are not allowed access.

A conditional MCO is currently in place in all states except Sarawak, Kelantan, Pahang and Perlis.

Labuan CMCO extended

Meanwhile, Ismail announced that the NSC has decided to extend the conditional MCO imposed on the Federal Territory of Labuan by another 14 days to Dec 6.

This was to allow for more active case detention to be carried out in high-risk areas. The locality has been under a conditional MCO since Oct 17.

“As of Nov 12, there was still a rise with 35 new cases which made the total Labuan count stand at 1,135 cases,” he said.

The enhanced MCO in the Kampung Haji Baki locality in Kuching, Sarawak, meanwhile, has been lifted.

The minister said this was after no new Covid-9 cases were detected in the area over the past seven days.

The area has been under lockdown since Oct 28.  - Mkini