Ismail Sabri warns on danger of Covid-19 'rentas negeri' clusters

 

There have been 5,741 Covid-19 positive cases linked to 38 'rentas negeri' clusters recorded since last December, according to Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

In cautioning Malaysians eager to cross state borders ahead of the forthcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, Ismail Sabri said 423 of the cases from seven clusters were recorded this month.

"Data from the Health Ministry shows that one factor contributing to the spike in daily cases is cross-border movements," he said during a Covid-19 non-health updates press conference in Putrajaya today.

"These cross-border clusters not only led to the spread of Covid-19 infections in green zones, but activities such as attending social gatherings also increased risk of infections among vulnerable groups, including senior citizens.

"For example, in Kelantan since last Dec 7, there were 10 cross-border clusters recorded and some of the clusters are still active today," Ismail Sabri said.

"If we see yesterday, Kelantan recorded the highest number of cases, more than 600 new infections linked to a cross-border case last December.

"Kelantan at the time was in the green zone but turned to red and remained red," he said.

Given the latest figures, Ismail Sabri said the movement control order technical committee at its meeting today agreed to affirm a previously announced decision by the Ministry of Health and the police to tighten permissions granted to crossing state borders.

'Boarding school EMCO'

Aside from cross-border clusters, the reopening of schools has also marked a spike in Covid-19 infections among students and teachers.

Among others, Ismail Sabri today announced that an enhanced movement control order will be enforced on Sekolah Menengah Sains Banting in Kuala Langat, Selangor, from April 24 until May 7.

This follows 71 students having tested positive among 473 screened so far, he said.

While noting mounting concerns from parents, Ismail Sabri urged all state governments to avoid making unilateral announcements on any school closure before consultation with the education and health ministries.

He also said that the enhanced MCO in three other areas - Kampung Muhibbah Raya in Tawau, Sabah; Rumah Panjang Jalan Bukut Balingian in Mukah, Sarawak; and Politeknik Mukah, Sarawak - would be extended from tomorrow until May 8 due to ongoing infections.

Similarly, he said, the MCO in Lahad Datu would also be extended until May 8, after a significant increase recorded in the number of new cases. - Mkini