KUALA LUMPUR JAN.15: The government has decided to impose the Movement Control Order (MCO) on Kelantan effective 16th until 26th Jan.2021 following the surge in COVID-19 cases from 328 to 891 within 14 days.
Senior Minister of Defence, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said, since 10th Jan.2021, the average increase was 80 to 100 cases every day besides the Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed that 90% of the districts in Kelantan had turned into red and orange zones.
“The seven districts in the red zones include Kota Bharu, Bachok, Tumpat, Gua Musang, Machang, Kuala Krai and Tanah Merah. The two districts in the yellow zones include Pasir Putih and Pasir Mas while Jeli is in the orange zone,” said Ismail in his daily press conference held here today.
Ismail added, the standard operating procedure (SOP) in the MCO areas are the same as announced earlier including social events are not allowed to be held including weddings, engagements, receptions, birthdays, reunions, retreats and “aqiqah” .
Meanwhile only two persons from a family are allowed to get out of the house to buy essential products and movements in the MCO areas are limited to emergency cases like death and with the permission from the police.
Ismail said, MCO is also imposed on Sibu Division, Sarawak effective 16th until 29th Jan.2021 following a surge from two to 251 COVID-19 cases within 14 days since 13th Dis. 2020 until 13th Jan.2021.
The Senior Minister added, most of the cases were from Pasai cluster which had recorded 394 cases involving 18 long houses located in Sibu Division.
“The MCO will also affect three districts in Sibu Division including Sibu, Selangau and Kanowit,” said Ismail.
On another development, Ismail said, the special meeting had also decided that the Institute of Higher Education and the schools are not allowed to make a condition for students to do swab test to enter hostels or to sit for examination except those with symptoms of COVID-19.
Ismail also explained that all issues relating to the Islamic affairs are under the consent of the Sultan in each state.
He cited an example if a mosque is opened to only five people then the decision has been made with the consent of the Sultan of the state.
“The Ministry concerned can propose via the Special Muzakarah Committee National Council for the Islamic Affairs Malaysia for the State Religious Authority to review but the decision is still within the state and under the power of the Sultan in each state,” said Ismail.
Ismail was elaborating on several questions and videos sent to him disputing the issue on the opening of mosques including from speakers that accused the National Security Council (NSC) had imposed strict SOPs on activities in the mosque. –Malaysia World News
