SPOUSES who work or live in different states can no longer travel interstate to meet each other, said Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“Following the halt in interstate travel, husband and wife who live separately cannot see each other. 

“We find that many families are trying to return to their hometown after my announcement yesterday.

“Maybe some managed to pass the roadblocks but you might not be so lucky when you return. Police have been given clear instructions and they will issue a compound,” the defence minister said during his daily press conference in Putrajaya.

Previously, the government allowed married couples to meet each other, provided that they submit a written request to police or by registering using the Gerak Malaysia mobile application.

It was reported yesterday that thousands of motorists were caught in massive traffic jams following roadblocks set up by Selangor police at all state exit points, including highways, state roads and municipal roads.

Selangor deputy police chief Arjunaidi Mohamed said as at 3pm yesterday, thousands of vehicles left the Klang Valley through Selangor and were heading to the north, south and east.

“However, most of them had approval letters for interstate travel, especially commercial vehicles,” he said.

Arjunaidi said there was a decrease in the number of vehicles directed to turn back from earlier days. 

He said more roadblocks would be set up at five major exit points in the state to curb unauthorised interstate travel ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Among them are at the PLUS expressway heading north near the Tanjung Malim toll plaza, near the Putra Mahkota toll plaza (southbound) and on the North-South Expressway Central Link near the Bandar Serenia toll plaza (southbound). – May 22, 2020.