THE Seberang Perai Prison and staff quarters in Sungai Jawi, Penang, along with PPR Taman Harmoni in Sandakan, Sabah will be placed under enhanced movement-control (EMCO) order this week, said Defense Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Ismail Sabri said the EMCO for the Seberang Perai prison and quarters will begin tomorrow, while it will be enforced in Sandakan on October 23.

The EMCO for Seberang Prai will end on November 4, and for PPR Taman Harmoni, November 5.

“This decision was made after consulting with the Healthy Ministry following a rise of Covid-19 cases in these areas,” he said.

Ismail the control order would help authorities break the Covid-19 infection chain as well as speed up swab tests by health authorities. 

“The total number of individuals involved in the Seberang Perai EMCO is 3,262 people, including inmates, prison staff and families who live in quarters, and civil servants.

“The EMCO at PPR Taman Harmoni will affect 870 units of houses with a total of 4,481 residents. 

“All residents in the affected areas are not allowed out from their respective homes,” he said.

Residents are only allowed to leave their homes for emergencies such as illness and death, but will need police permission.

“Food supplies will be distributed by the state government, which will be coordinated by the state’s disaster operations control centre,” Ismail Sabri added.

Malaysia today recorded 732 new infections, taking the nation’s tally to 22,957. 

There were also six fatalities reported in the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 199.

As for recoveries, 580 people were discharged, leaving the number of active cases at 7,827. – October 21, 2020.