Interstate travel restrictions will be eased from June 1, 2020 although the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) remains active. There had been a ban when the Movement Control Order MCO) started in March, and in the period leading to Hari Raya, the prohibition was strictly enforced. Balik kampung journeys were not permitted as a measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Today, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, spokesman for the National Security Council, said that interstate travel can be allowed for emergency cases as well as for spouses to visit their other halves who may be in another state. The latter was already mentioned by the Prime Minister earlier.
Additionally, those who work in another state can also cross borders but in all cases, police approval must first be obtained. “Interstate travel is not allowed unless it is for emergencies such as deaths or for medical reasons. We also allow those who need to travel between states for work. For instance, if you live in Seremban but work in Putrajaya,” he said.
During the CMCO prohibition on interstate travel, the police have set up 147 roadblocks nationwide to check on vehicles. Over 240,000 drivers were queried and those without valid reasons were made to turn around. In some cases, summonses were also issued for not complying with the CMCO, for which there is a fine of RM1,000 and possible jail term of 6 months.
The police have also been looking out for those who crossed borders without permission during the Hari Raya period and are now trying to return home. Roadblocks have been set up even on rural roads and many motorists have been caught trying to sneak through.
On another note, the Director-General of the Ministry of Health has said that use of facemasks is recommended when in crowded places. However, when travelling alone in the car, it is unnecessary to wear the facemask.
Although things seem like they are back to ‘normal’, the CMCO is still active and people are expected to remain at home as much as possible. Gatherings and visiting friends are still not permitted and as you will probably have already experienced, social distancing is now a requirement at public outlets. The authorities urge those who dine at restaurants to complete their meal as soon as they can and depart, rather than stay on at the table to chat.
