Masidi says Sabah asked to keep its relaxed rules under MCO

 

Masidi Manjun said his request had been approved by the prime minister and the National Security Council. (Bernama pic)

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s more relaxed restrictions on movements will remain despite the announcement of a nationwide movement control order (MCO) from May 12 to June 7, state minister Masidi Manjun said.

He said the National Security Council had agreed to the state government’s request that Sabah’s existing Covid-19 management strategy be allowed to continue.

“My request has been approved by the prime minister and MKN (security council). Until there is a new directive, I assume Sabah still has CMCO status, or even MCO status, but the SOPs are almost the same as they already are,” he told FMT.

Masidi is the state government’s spokesman on Covid-19 related matters.

Earlier today, Muhyiddin announced that an MCO would be imposed nationwide, but that specific measures being implemented in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan would continue.

Among the SOPs specific to Sabah include allowing dine-in at eateries and permitting sports and recreational activities, which are banned elsewhere under the national MCO.

For Hari Raya, house visits are allowed but only among immediate family members and cannot involve more than 20 people.

Other activities allowed during Hari Raya are takbir raya and sunat prayers in mosques and suraus and banquets after Hari Raya prayers, provided that food is pre-packed and distributed to attendees to take home.

The visiting of graves is also allowed, but cannot exceed 30 minutes or involve more than six people at a time.

However, open houses and other festive activities are strictly prohibited in areas under enhanced movement control order.

Recently, the state government also announced a cross-district travel ban from today until May 16. - FMT