MALACCA has recorded the highest number of vehicles trying to travel interstate for Hari Raya celebration, said Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The defence minister said Perak is the second highest, followed by Penang. 

“Yesterday 2,539 vehicles tried to cross state borders for Hari Raya even after we said no more interstate travel is allowed,” he said at his daily press conference on the country’s Covid-19 situaion. 

Malacca recorded 886 cases, the highest in the country, followed by Perak with 362 cases and Penang with 284 cases. 

“There may be those who are trying their luck, even after my announcement yesterday,” he said.

Ismail added that 154 roadblocks were set up and 64 people were detained for breaching the conditional movement-control order.

“A total of 40 were remanded and 24 were issued the RM1,000 compound,” he said.

Interstate travel was officially barred yesterday following a special meeting. There have been reports of people queuing up at police stations to apply for permission to return to their hometowns. 

“There is no need to stand in a long queue because police will not give its permission. We will not allow interstate travel anymore,” Ismail said yesterday.

He previously said interstate travel was permitted only for emergencies. – May 22, 2020.