TRAVEL to buy food and essentials has been limited to 10km of one’s home, according to a new federal gazette on the movement-control order (MCO).

The gazette on the Road Transport (Prohibition of Use of Road) (Federal Roads) (No.1) Order 2020 was uploaded to the Attorney-General’s Chambers website today.

Under “conditions for movement”, the 10km-radius condition applies to people moving from one place to another “within an infected local area, or from one infected local area to another” for the purpose of buying food, daily necessities, medicines or dietary supplements.

“His movement shall only be to a place within a radius of not more than 10km from his residence, or to a place nearest to his residence, and he shall not be accompanied by any other person unless it is reasonably necessary for him to be accompanied by any other person,” said the gazette dated March 31 and signed by Health Minister Dr Adham Baba.

It said the travel limit also applies to those leaving home to seek healthcare services.

A person seeking such services can be accompanied by another individual “as may be reasonably necessary”.

The second phase of the nationwide MCO aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19 starts today and will last till April 14.

The government has tightened conditions under phase two, including limiting business hours for supermarkets and restaurants from 8am to 8pm. Eateries are only allowed to cater to deliveries and takeaways.

Malaysians can only leave home to buy food, medicines and other essential goods, to get medical care, and to go to work if their jobs are categorised as essential services. Those who need to travel for work must have an authorisation letter from their employer.

Other reasons for leaving the house – defined in the gazette as “movement due to a special and particular reason” – require written permission from the police station nearest to one’s residence.

The gazette stipulates a fine not exceeding RM1,000, or imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both, for contravention of its provisions. – April 1, 2020.