HEALTH Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has vented his frustrations on Twitter about Malaysians who were still disobeying movement restrictions despite the rapid increase in Covid-19 infections.

He posted photos of the traffic congestion on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway near the Gombak Toll Plaza this morning headed towards Genting Highlands and Bentong, Pahang.

The heavy traffic came despite a ban on inter-state travel under the movement-control order (MCO) 3.0, and ahead of a full lockdown set to begin this Tuesday until June 14.

“Large-scale movements are still happening even though there is a ban on inter-state and inter-district travel.

“Bringing the virus from one area to another will not help us (front liners) at all in curbing the spread of Covid-19,” he tweeted.

In another tweet, he said health front liners are exhausted but still striving hard to save lives.

“Help us help you and your family.

“Help save the national healthcare system that is in danger of breaking down if cases spiral out of control.

“If we collapse, you and your family may not receive the best treatment. Worse still, there will be no more beds in hospitals. What more when the situation becomes worse and even more critical.”

The Malaysian Highway Authority confirmed on social media the traffic congestion at the Gombak Toll Plaza at 10.58am today.

The congestion is also due to a police roadblock that is screening vehicles.

A number of Twitter users also posted photos of the heavy traffic and roadblock, with several lamenting the stubborn attitude of Malaysians.

However, those causing the congestion are said to have obtained police permission to travel, Harian Metro reported.

It quoted Gombak police chief Assistant Commissioner Arifai Tarawe, who said police at the roadblock confirmed that most drivers had the requisite permission letters from the International Trade and Industry Ministry to travel inter-state for work, as well as police approval to make emergency and medical-related trips.

Another reason for inter-state travel among some drivers it to reunite with their spouse who resides in another state, which is allowed by police under movement restriction rules.

There were, however, at least 14 vehicles that were forced to turn back after the driver or passenger failed to show proof of permission to travel.

Malaysia hit another grim record today, with 9,020 new Covid-19 infections reported over the past 24 hours, the country’s highest to date.

Earlier today, Dr Noor Hisham also tweeted that cases could go up to 13,000 daily if the infectivity rate rose to 1.2, and if SOPs were not adhered to. – May 29, 2021.