THE government has extended the enhanced movement-control order (EMCO) in two localities in Penang and three in Sabah for another two weeks following a continued increase in Covid-19 cases. 

Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this evening the Seberang Perai Prison, including its staff quarters, the Tawau temporary detention centre, Sandakan prison and Taman Wira prison quarters will be under lockdown until December 2. 

“Until today, the cumulative cases in Seberang Perai prison as well as its prison quarters stand at 557, with 75 others still waiting for their test results. 

“Following advice from the Health Ministry, we have agreed to extend the EMCO in Seberang Perai prison for two more weeks until December 2,” said Ismail Sabri. 

As for Tawau, Ismail Sabri said health officials have carried out 1,740 tests, with 137 confirmed positive.

Another 924 samples are still under investigation. 

“At the Sandakan prison and Taman Wira prison quarters, health officers there have conducted 1,743 tests and until yesterday, there were already 141 positive cases. 

“A total 203 samples are still being tested,” he said. 

The Seberang Perai prison was first placed under EMCO from October 22 to November 4 before it had its order extended until November 18. 

As for the localities in Sabah, a lockdown was imposed on November 6 and was scheduled to end tomorrow. – November 18, 2020.