Important Things Highlighted By Ismail Sabri During His Daily Press Conference Today
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As usual, Senior Minister (Defence) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob briefed the media today on the latest updates on the conditional movement control order (CMCO) currently being implemented in the country.
He talked about a number of important things, here’s what he said in brief.
PDRM’s CMCO Task Force
The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has set up a task force to ensure that the public adheres to all standard operating procedures (SOP) of the CMCO as set by the National Security Council.
As of 19 May 2020, the task force has made 74,809 checks to various markets, restaurants, hawker stalls, factories, banks, transport terminals (land, air and sea), private and public vehicles, one vessel, public markets, places of worship, recreational centres and construction sites across the country.
They have made 142 arrests to those found violating the SOP, with 15 of these individuals being issued compounds, yesterday. This means that the police have moved on from only giving advice and warnings, to taking legal action towards those found in violation of the SOP.
Besides that, the police and the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) will be patrolling areas across the nation, especially during the festive period to ensure that the public is still adhering to the SOP.
If the police notice a large number of cars parked near a residence, they might investigate further by knocking on your doors to ensure that the SOP is not being broken.
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (Translated from BM)
Police Roadblocks
There were 149 roadblocks set up across the country yesterday, especially for interstate travel issues, and 25,891 vehicles were checked. Out of these, 1,633 vehicles were attempting to travel interstate and return to their hometowns for the festive season. All these vehicles were told to turn back around.
As of now, PDRM has yet to start issuing compounds to those attempting to travel interstate without prior approval. However, if the problem continues, they might have to take legal action.
For those planning on flying back to Sabah and Sarawak, please ensure that you have received prior approval from PDRM to travel interstate to East Malaysia before buying your air ticket.
This does not include students returning home who have been stranded at their university campus since the beginning of the movement control order (MCO).
Those that obtain approval for interstate travel will be required to self-quarantine upon arrival for 14 days, and failure to do so will result in facing legal action.
Meanwhile, for those with special cases or emergencies that require interstate travel, they will need to obtain approval from PDRM who will approve at their discretion.
For married couples living in separate states who would like to visit during the festive season, they can apply for approval from PDRM. If the police deem that the travel is not considered unnecessary travel to visit families for the festive season then they may approve the request at their discretion.
Interdistrict travel is still allowed during the festive season, no approval is required for that.
False News
As of 19 May 2020, PDRM and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MACC) have opened 265 investigation papers on false Covid-19 information. Out of the 265, 30 of the cases have been charged in court.
The public is reminded to be wary of any suspicious information read online, and refrain from sharing information which you find suspicious. When in doubt, you can double-check for the correct facts through https://sebenarnya.my/.
Those found spreading unverified and false information will face legal action by PDRM and MACC.
Public Sanitation
Ops Sanitasi Awam launched by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government on 30 March has since sanitised 6,640 locations in yellow and red zones across the country, including in places such as government buildings, business premises, and public spaces.
Covid-19 Quarantine Management
As of 19 May 2020, Malaysia has 256 quarantine centers, with more than 17k individuals currently residing.
Yesterday, 543 Malaysians returned from abroad, including those returning from Singapore. They are now being quarantined for 14 days before being allowed to return home.
Sending Stranded Students Home
Since the operation started on 27 April 2020, a total of 49,437 students have returned back home after being stranded at their university campuses.
Yesterday alone, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government sent 418 students back to their hometowns via three flights from KL to Miri, Bintulu, and Sibu.
Road To Tokyo
During the special meeting today on the implementation of the CMCO, the Youth and Sports Minister asked for special relaxation of the SOP for those involved with the Road To Tokyo 2020 programme who need to train for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
Thus, the government has decided to allow the 265 individuals involved, including 57 athletes to train and prepare for the sporting event, with conditions.
Parents Who Bring Their Kids Out And About During CMCO
At the moment, the Health Ministry and National Security Council have yet to issue an SOP for parents who bring their kids out with them during the CMCO, though they have advised the parents refrain from doing so if possible.
The reason why an SOP has not yet been announced is that the government is aware of several implications of doing so.
For example, if single mothers with young children who have not choice but to bring their kids out with them. If they get compounded, where would they put their kids? Leaving young children at home, or inside their cars by themselves would be dangerous. This is why we haven’t made an SOP yet.
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (Translated from BM)
Visiting Graves During Festive Season
The Health Ministry and National Security Council is still discussing the matter, but for now, they have also only decided to advise that the public try to refrain from doing so. The government would prefer that the public exercise self-regulation instead of depending on SOP from the government.
We can’t put out an SOP for everything. If something is logically a bad thing, then we should not do it. We don’t need an SOP to tell us this.
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (Translated from BM)
Ismail Sabri explained that the Covid-19 virus is expected to be around for 2-5 years until a vaccine is found. If it takes two years, CMCO cannot be implemented for two years.
Which means that once the CMCO ends, these SOPs and rules will no longer apply. Instead, self-regulation will be what protects the public from getting sick.
Barbershops Requesting To Reopen For Business
Barbers have contacted Ismail Sabri about the issue. However, for now the government hasn’t received any advice from the Health Ministry on the matter. Barbershops are still within the list of businesses that have been prohibited from operating for the time being. When the time comes, it will be discussed.
SOP For Places Of Worship
The matter has been brought up by the Ministry of Unity and it is still in discussion. A few issues still need to be addressed and the ministry will be meeting with leaders of the various religions to discuss the issue.
When an agreement is reached, then the SOP will be announced.
Watch his live brief below:
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