KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — The government has agreed to enforce the administrative enhanced movement control order (EMCO) in four localities in Kedah beginning today until August 30, said Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said the decision was made after taking into account the 11 new Covid-19 cases caused by the Sivagangga Cluster.
Ismail Sabri said the four mukim comprised the area within a one-metre radius from the Nasi Kandar Salleh Restaurant in Pekan Napoh (Mukim Hosba); Kampung Pida Satu, Megat Dewa (Mukim Ah); and Kampung Bendang Dalam (Mukim Binjal) in Kubang Pasu, and Kampung Ulu Sanai (Padang Terap).
“The special Cabinet meeting on the implementation of the MCO today approved the application from the Kedah state government to enforce the administrative EMCO in these areas.
“The administrative EMCO will be using the existing standard operating procedure (SOP) with the addition of roadblocks at all entrances and exits, and closure of several main roads around the areas,” he said in a press conference on the recovery movement control order development in Parliament here today.
It was reported that as of yesterday, 313 individuals from the cluster have been screened. Of these, 20 were found to be Covid-19 positive while 280 were negative and the rest are awaiting the results.
Ismail Sabri said the Health Ministry’s officers will be carrying out screening tests on about 7,000 residents in the affected areas.
Besides kindergartens, mosques and houses of worship were also ordered closed for all religious activities including Friday prayers.
“Freedom of movement may be restricted if the number of cases increases as what is happening in Kedah can happen in other places. The people must comply with the SOP and all restrictions so that the same thing does not happen in other places,” he said.
— Bernama
