PM: Klang Valley, Melaka to move to Phase 3 of NRP from Friday (Oct 1)

 

PUTRAJAYA: Klang Valley and Melaka will move to Phase 3 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) on Friday (Oct 1), says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

In a statement on Wednesday (Sept 29), the Prime Minister added that Kedah would move into Phase 2.

With this, no states in Malaysia remain under Phase 1 of the NRP.

"The movement of phases was made after taking into consideration the risk analysis conducted by the Health Ministry and the National Security Council.

"I would like to express my deepest thanks to the entirety of Keluarga Malaysia, especially the states that had worked hard in handling the pandemic in order to reach the set threshold values," he said.

New easing of restrictions had also been put in place for states under Phase 2 and 3.

Official events by both the government and private sectors, including seminars, were now allowed in states under Phase 2 and 3, with the requirement that all guests must be fully vaccinated and that it operated under a 50% capacity.

Those not fully vaccinated must undergo a pre-event test with a self-test kit before being allowed to attend.

The test must be conducted in front of an organiser or be confirmed by a medical officer.

Audiences were now allowed to return for sport and recreation matches in states under Phase 2, 3 and 4. Among the set rules included only allowing fully vaccinated people in, ensuring face masks were used throughout the sporting event and that consumption food and beverage was not allowed in stadiums.

Those under the age of 18 were still barred from going to live sporting events.

Vocational colleges in all phases would be allowed to open on Oct 15, while complying with the SOPs as with other higher education institutes.

Currently Malaysia's Covid-19 infectivity rate – known as R0 (pronounced R-naught), is at 0.88.

The Prime Minister added that the government was confident the downward trend of new cases would continue, as the R0 was below 1.0.

"At the same time, the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme for teenagers has recorded 1,217,386 doses for those between the age of 12 and 17 years old.

"This is in lieu with the goal of having as many students as possible being fully vaccinated, with schools opening back up in stages from October," he said.

On the issue of people breaking home quarantine orders, the Prime Minister said that action would be taken.

"The government also views seriously the issue of some individuals breaking home quarantine orders. Strict action will be taken on those found guilty.

"While the government has allowed some leeway, I hope that the public will continue adhering to the SOPS in order to break the chain of infection," he said. - Star