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Malaysia extends MCO to 18 February 2021, Sarawak to remain under CMCO

Malaysia extends MCO to 18 February 2021, Sarawak to remain under CMCO

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this decision comes following advice and a risk assessment done by the Ministry of Health, which had noted an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases recently. Meanwhile, the NSC has also released an updated set of SOPs for the MCO in Sabah, and the Kapit and Song districts of Sarawak.

Malaysia has extended its Movement Control Order (MCO, or PKP) by two weeks, starting on 5 February 2021 up till 18 February 2021. This will apply nationwide except for most districts in the state of Sarawak, which will remain under the Conditional MCO (CMCO, or PKPB).

In a press conference on Tuesday (2 February), Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this decision comes following advice and a risk assessment done by the Ministry of Health, which had noted an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases recently.

Senior Minister Ismail Sabri stated that the standard operating procedures (SOPs) under this MCO will remain the same as previously, while the business and economic sector will continue to be allowed operations under "very strict" SOPs.

Apart from the above, the senior minister also announced the following:

  • The Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO, or PKPD) will be implemented in Felcra Nasaruddin, Central Perak, Perak from 3 February to 16 February 2021.
  • It will also be implemented in Felda Bersia, Hulu Perak for the same period.
  • The EMCO/PKPD in Kg. Orang Asli Batu 6, Jalan Pahang, Batang Padang, Perak will be extended, lasting from 4 February to 10 February 2021.

In similar news, the National Security Council (NSC, or MKN) has released a set of SOPs for the MCOs in Kapit and Song districts, Sarawak, which took effect earlier this week. An updated set was also released relating to the ongoing MCO in Sabah.

Extracts below.

SOPs for MCO in Kapit and Song districts, Sarawak

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) is responsible for exercising control over local areas of infection with the help of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), Civil Defence Force (APM) and the People's Volunteer Corps (RELA).

The entry and exit routes of the PKP area have been closed and entry will be controlled by the PDRM. All residents in the PKP area are not allowed to leave their homes/residences.

  • Only two household representatives are allowed to go out only to obtain food supplies, medicine, dietary supplements and basic necessities, to a place closest to his place of residence.
  • A maximum of three persons including patients are allowed to go out to seek health or medical care services
  • Movement in and out of the MCO/PKP areas is allowed for emergency cases such as natural disasters.
  • Movement of humanitarian disaster assistance by NGOs requires permission from PDRM and such assistance will be channelled through the Sibu Division Disaster Management Committee.
  • The attendance capacity of employees in essential services should be limited to employees who need to be physically present to the workplace for the purpose of performing duties. Other categories of employees in the service should be able to work from home. (Employers are responsible for classifying categories to reduce the number of people in the workplace to the necessary rate of 30%).

View the full set of SOPs and list of essential services here.

MCO in Sabah

  • The PDRM is responsible for exercising control over local areas of infection.
    with the help of ATM, the Eastern Sabah Security Command, APMM, APM and RELA
  • Admission of individuals to the state of Sabah is not allowed except for: Citizens of Sabah; Husbands and wives to the people of Sabah and their dependents; and holders of a valid Malaysian Immigration Long Term Pass (State of Sabah), i.e. for non-Sabah and non-Sabah nationals who perform essential services.
  • In addition to these categories, visitors must refer to the Permission Guide on Entering Sabah from Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and W P Labuan, set by the Sabah State Government. 
  • Movement of individuals leaving the state of Sabah:
    • Only individuals who perform essential services, emergency cases and medical reasons are allowed to leave the state of Sabah with PDRM's permission, subject to the following conditions:
      • (a) Individuals from Sabah to the Peninsula need to undergo RT PCR or RTK Ag tests for COVID-19 within three days before leaving Sabah, based on the MOH's requirements.
      • (b) Individuals from Sabah to Sarawak need to undergo RT PCR tests for COVID-19 in a period of three days before leaving Sabah, based on the decision by Sarawak State Government.
      • (c) Individuals from Sabah to Labuan need to undergo RT PCR or RTK Ag tests for COVID-19 within three days before entering Labuan, based on requirements by the Disaster Management Committee W P Labuan.
      • (d) Only individuals who are not symptomatic of a negative test result will allowed to continue on the journey.

View the full set of SOPs and list of essential services here.


Photo / 123RF

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