THE government is to impose enhanced movement control orders (EMCO) in five districts in Perak, Sabah and Kuching for two weeks, according to Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Sekolah Agama Bantuan Kerajaan Maahad Al-Yahyawiah, Padang Rengas and Kuala Kangsar in Perak; Wisma Saberkas and Jalan Green in Kuching; and Kg Sabah Baru, Sabah are all to be placed in strict lockdown starting tomorrow, while Lahad Datu will follow on Monday.

Ismail Sabri said the order was made after a special meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) in Putrajaya earlier today.

“For the religious school in Kuala Kangsar, there are already 27 Covid-19 cases and, following the advice from Health Ministry, we agreed to impose an EMCO at the school from November 8 to November 21

“For the two districts in Kuching, there are already 116 cases of Covid-19 and six clusters in the state.

“Therefore, we have ordered the EMCO at these two places from Nov 8 to Nov 21.

“Last but not least in Lahad Datu. The ministry has so far screened 441 individuals and found 52 positive cases.

“The EMCO will take place from November 9 to November 22 and the order will affect 701 homes and 3,917 residents,” said Ismail Sabri.

To date, more than 10 areas nationwide – including prisons and detention centres – have been placed under the EMCO following a second wave in positive Covid-19 cases.

Under the EMCO, residents are not allowed to leave their homes except in an emergency.

The authorities are tasked with providing residents with food and basic necessities. – November 7, 2020.