PUTRAJAYA has approved Kedah government’s request for an enhanced movement control order in Kubang Pasu following 11 new cases of Covid-19 from the Sivagangga cluster, said Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob today.

He said the order affected four areas in Kubang Pasu: Restaurant Nasi Kandar Salleh in Pekan Napoh, Kg Pida Satu Megat Dewa, Kg Bendang Dalam and Kg Ulu Padang Sanai.

“The administrative EMCO takes effect from August 3 to August 30,” he said during his press conference today.

“There will be roadblocks heading to the four areas and those planning to enter the villages will not be allowed in,” Ismail Sabri added.

Speaking further, Ismail Sabri stated that the health ministry will screen 7,000 people living in the affected areas and all religious gatherings were also prohibited.

“Mosques and house of worships in the area are closed. There will be no religious activities, including Friday prayer.

“Only three people are allowed to perform congregational prayer at the mosque,” he said.

Yesterday, five schools in the Kedah districts of Kubang Pasu and Padang Terap linked to the Sivagangga cluster were closed until August 29.

The decision was made at a National Security Council meeting with Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, and is in line with the implementation of the enhanced movement control order in the subdivisions of Ah, Hosba and Binjal in Kubang Pasu, and Kg Ulu Padang Sanai in Padang Terap. – August 3, 2020.