STARTING Saturday, those stuck in their hometowns due to the movement-control order (MCO) can apply online to return to where they live in Kuala Lumpur and other cities, said Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

These people left for their hometowns just before the order came into force on March 18, and have been stuck there since.

Ismail Sabri said the decision to allow them to return to urban areas will be made after May 1, upon getting approval from the National Security Council (NSC) or based on the Health Ministry’s advice.

He added that those without internet access can visit the nearest police station to apply.

The online applications can be done via the Gerak Malaysia mobile app.

“Many have complained about not having any more clothes to wear after being stuck in their hometowns for more than a month. At the moment, they cannot return home due to the MCO.

“The government has discussed the matter and those who wish to return home can apply online starting this Saturday.

“For those who don’t have the accessibility, they can go to the nearest police station and inform the police. But first they must make an appointment with the cops.

“This is to avoid overcrowding at the police station,” Ismail Sabri said this afternoon during his daily press conference.

He said the government is still studying the mechanism to allow people to return home.

“This matter is still under review. That is why we need the public to give their information first.

“The NSC will study the information, and there will be a new standard operating procedure. The final decision will be made only after May 1,” he said.

The MCO will end on April 28, unless the government decides to extend it.

He said there is a difference between allowing students on campus and families stuck in hometowns to go home.

“It is not the same with students in campuses. For students, we know how many are there, where they are, their health status and so on.

“But for families, we don’t have the information. That is why we need their information so we can make a plan.”

Yesterday, Ismail Sabri said students stranded in campuses might be allowed to go home but with strict regulations.

“We discussed and sought advice from the Health Ministry, and there may be a possibility of allowing the students to return home but we want to have a strict SOP.

“This is because we do not want to have about 80,000 to 100,000 students returning at one go.

“We may also need them to undergo a health screening first before allowing them to return to their homes.” – April 22, 2020.