The Malaysian government has announced a Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) for Kota Kinabalu and its neighbouring areas of Penampang and Putatan in Sabah. The CMCO will be enforced from 12.01am on 7th October.
The decision was made following a special meeting and the CMCO is aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 in the state. Movement in the 3 areas will be restricted during the enforcement period similar to what was imposed nationwide in the early phases of MCO. Meanwhile, the Targeted Enhanced Movement Control Order (TEMCO) is still enforced in Lahat Datu, Tawau, Kunak and Semporna. Inter-district travel in Sabah is not allowed since 3rd October.
During the CMCO period, only essential services will be allowed to operate and non-essential premises must remain closed. The Ministry of International Trade and Industry will provide a list of permitted services.
During the period, all entry to Sabah are not allowed except for Sabahans and holders of passes issued by the Sabah Immigration Department who are currently residing in West Malaysia, Sarawak and Labuan. This also includes individuals who are performing duties that are classified as essential services. Apart from these categories, a pass would be required from the state government in order to enter the state.
Prior to this, Sarawak has already imposed a ban on all arrivals from Sabah since 4th October. Sarawakians in Sabah and Labuan are allowed to return but they must undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated centres.
During the CMCO period, only two persons per household are allowed to go out to buy essential goods.
For essential premises such as restaurants, eateries and supermarkets, they are allowed to operate between 6.00am to 6.00pm. Dine-ins are not allowed and all F&B outlets must use drive-through, delivery and take-away methods only.
Markets are only allowed to operate between 6.00am to 2.00pm and all night market, wholesale market and “pasar tani” are not allowed during the CMCO.
Clinics and hospitals for both private and government sectors are permitted to open 24 hours a day. However, pharmacies and drug stores are only permitted to open between 6.00am to 6.00pm.
For those travelling for essential duties must obtain permission to move between areas. All eHailing and food delivery services are only allowed to operate between 6.00am to 8.00pm only and eHailing providers can bring a maximum of 2 passengers.
All buses including express buses are not allowed to operate and all residents in CMCO areas are not permitted to leave their homes to work during this period. All employers must follow the restricted movement order and allow their employees to take leave or make arrangements to allow them to work from home.
All forms of activities are not allowed and this also includes recreational, religious, social and cultural activities. The Royal Malaysian Police, armed forces, civil defence force and RELA will be on duty to enforce the CMCO.
As of 12pm today, there are 5 red zones in Sabah which include Tawau, Lahad Datu, Kota Kinabalu, Kunak and Semporna. There are 432 new cases reported in Malaysia today with 130 reported in Sabah. As of today, there are 235 cases since 20th September which involved individuals with a recent travel history to Sabah.
Malaysia was previously placed under CMCO nationwide from 4th May until it was replaced with RMCO on 10th June.
[ SOURCE , IMAGE SOURCE ]
