PEOPLE stranded in their home towns and want to return to Kuala Lumpur and other urban areas can do so from May 7 to May 10, said Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Huzir Mohamed.

However, they will have to first download the latest version of the Gerak Malaysia app on their mobile phones, and submit a request for travel.

“Starting from tomorrow until May 5, you can fill up your application or update your information.

“The process will take a day, which is on May 6. So, on May 7 until May 10, those who have applied can start travelling back home,” he said.

He said interstate travel was strictly for those who have been stranded in their home towns or those needing to return to work.

These include those who left for their home towns just as the government announced the movement control order (MCO), which came into force on March 18 and coincided with the start of school holidays. They have since been stranded in their respective home towns due to travel restrictions.

“In this latest version, you can fill up your destination and other information,” he told a press conference today.

However, Huzir said to curb congestion, the police would implement a travel schedule.

Those wanting to leave Kuala Lumpur to their home towns can do so on May 7.

On May 8, those in Perak, Kelantan and Johor will be able to travel, while the next day (May 9), people stranded in Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Malacca and Pahang are able to travel back home.

Finally, on May 10, people in Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Terengganu will head to their destinations.

“The public are advised to start driving after buka puasa (break fast) as there will be no food along the highway. The public is also not allowed to pray in groups if they need to pray at rest areas.

“Stay inside your car if you need to take a rest and you can only use the restroom,” Huzir said.

He added that those without smartphones can submit a written letter and apply directly at the nearest police station, but an appointment must first be made.

A week after the app was launched, police received about 300,000 applications for interstate travel permits during the MCO.

Huzir said the app has nearly 1.2 million downloads, with 462,505 applications recorded.

Meanwhile, Huzir also said that from March 18 to May 2, police detained 28,992 individuals for violating the MCO, as well as over other offences.

“From the total number of people arrested, 15,792 have been charged in court and 5,312 were given compounds.

“These individuals did not only break the MCO but committed other offences from March 18 to May 2.”

The MCO is set to end on May 12.

However, the government has relaxed some restrictions, allowing people to go back to work, eat in restaurants and exercise in public starting from tomorrow.

Schools, however, remain closed. – May 3, 2020.