[ UPDATE 7/05/2020 19:30 ]: PDRM has announced that express buses and motocycles are allowed for interstate travel. More details here.
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For those that wish to travel interstate between 7th to 10th May will now require approval via QR code on Gerak Malaysia. Previously, the Police announced that interstate travel will be permitted as long as users have provided their details, however, only 29.5% of applicants have done so. As a result, the QR code is now required to ensure that all interstate travellers have provided the necessary info.
At the moment, Gerak Malaysia has garnered a total of 1,407,143 downloads and 503,276 interstate travel requests have been made so far. According to the police, only 148,516 people have submitted their travel details via Gerak Malaysia. The police have also received a total of 13,069 manual applications via police stations.
QR Code is now required
All applicants are told to update their travel details on the latest Gerak Malaysia 2.5 app in order to display the QR code. The QR code is proof that an application has been approved and it will be scanned at the roadblocks.
However, for those on iOS, due to the delay of the new update, users may show their profile page on the Gerak Malaysia app.
Do note that the QR code must be generated on the day of travel as the QR code is only valid for 24 hours. For example, if the travel date is on the 7th of May, you are advised to generate the code only on the 7th of May after 12:00.
Permitted dates
To recap, below are the permitted travel dates that are provided by the police:
7th May – From Kuala Lumpur
8th May – From Perak, Johor and Kelantan
9th May – From Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Melaka and Pahang
10th May – From Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Terengganu
To apply online, you’ll need to download the latest Gerak Malaysia app from the following links:
iPhone – Apple AppStore
Android – Google Play Store
Huawei (without GMS) – Huawei AppGallery
For Android users, the latest Gerak Malaysia app is already available, however, the iOS version for iPhone is expected to be available on the 7th May.
[ UPDATE 07/05/2020 10:00 ] Gerak Malaysia 2.5 is already available on Apple AppStore, Google PlayStore and Huawei App Gallery.
Instant application on Gerak Malaysia
With the Gerak Malaysia 2.5 app, just tap on “Perjalanan Antara Negeri” to enter your travel details.
You’ll need to provide your origin address (the location where you’re stranded) and your destination. If you’re travelling with your family, all members aged 16 and above must register via the app.
After submitting your travel details, you will now get an instant response that your interstate travel request has been approved along with the permitted travel time. If your request is approved, the app will allow you to generate a QR code along with the permitted travel date.
According to MCMC, you can generate the QR code once a day. So if you’ve accidentally generated the code early, you can generate a new code on the day of travel.
Possible interstate travel scenarios
As outlined in the FAQ, the interstate travel is permitted not just for individuals that are stuck at their hometowns but also for people to make two-way trips to pick up their stranded family members. For the return trip, they must also adhere to the schedule given by the police.
Some of the provided examples are as follows:
Balik kampung and leisure trips are strictly prohibited and the police will take action against those that abuse the interstate travel permit. Even trips to return back to hometown to pick up equipment for work is not allowed. The police reiterated that this permit is only for those who are stranded at their hometowns.
The police have also said that interstate travel via motorcycle and public transport is not permitted due to social distancing concerns. Gerak Malaysia is also applicable to those taking domestic flights. For those taking flights to Sabah and Sarawak, they must apply with the respective states. Each vehicle is limited to 4 people but if you have more family members, it is up to police discretion.
As highlighted by the police, all eateries will be closed at R&R stops. For those who are not fasting, it is advised to prepare your meals and refreshments before you start your journey. All surau and prayer rooms will not be open at the R&R but the washrooms will be open. Petrol stations along the highway will only operate between 6am to 12am.
For further reading, you can refer to the official FAQ here and here.
