THE Temporary Detention Centre (PTS) in Kota Kinabalu has been placed under an enhanced movement control order (EMCO) following a significant increase of Covid-19 cases.

Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the decision for the two-week lockdown was made after 56 detainees tested positive for the virus.

“In order to contain the spread of the virus, the government today agreed to impose EMCO at the detention centre starting from November 3 to November 16.

“Until October 30, 261 detainees as well as the staff have been screened and 56 people were found positive.

“The EMCO at the detention centre will involve 1,820 detainees and 114 staff. Under the EMCO, all activities at the centre will be put on hold. No family visits are allowed either,” said Ismail Sabri in his daily media briefing today.

Prior to today’s announcement, several areas in Sabah, including a few prisons, have already been placed under the EMCO following an increase in Covid-19 cases.

Semporna, Kudat, Kunak and Tawau have been locked down EMCO in previous weeks.

Sabah continues to record high infection figures since last month, and many have blamed the Sabah election as the reason for the spike. – November 1, 2020.