Targeted Enhanced Mco In Two Perlis Villages Until Aug 31 Not Sept 4

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COVID-19 | Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced today that 191 households from two villages in Kuala Sanglang, Perlis, have been placed under a targeted enhanced movement control order (MCO) effective until Aug 31
He said the decision affecting 872 villagers from Kg Kuala Sanglang and Kg Tanah Timbul was made following an increase in active Covid-19 cases linked to the Sivagangga cluster
The Perlis government on Saturday announced that the two areas will be placed under the targeted enhanced MCO until Sept 4, but Ismail reminded that only the federal government has the power to enforce such measures under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342)
"Sometimes confusion arises when state governments make an announcement related to the targeted enhanced MCO or other regulations, ahead of the federal government
"I would like to remind our friends in the states, Act 342 is a federal Act," he said
"The state governments, with the exception of Sarawak, do not have an Act equivalent to Act 342
"All regulations can only be made by the federal government based on this Act 342," said the senior minister during a Covid-19 update press conference in Parliament
Ismail added no enforcement action can be taken on any regulations announced by state governments without the approval of Putrajaya
"Authorities cannot take action and issue any compound, unless with approval from the federal government," he said
While the government gazettes any new movement control orders when it comes into force, he said the enforcement of the targeted enhanced MCO can be done by the health director-general through Section 11(3) of Act 342
Under the newly announced targeted enhanced MCO order in Perlis, roadblocks will be erected at selected entry points and all movements in and out of the area are not allowed, except for delivery of groceries to shops within the area
Businesses that fall under the essential services category are allowed to operate from 8am to 6pm, while all schools and government offices will be closed
Religious activities at mosques are allowed under strict conditions while all non-Muslim houses of worship must be closed
Meanwhile, Ismail said he had instructed the Health Ministry to look into possible alternatives for face coverings, particularly to assist school children from lower-income families who could be burdened by the cost of purchasing disposable face masks
Among others, Ismail said the Health Ministry has been asked to look into the feasibility of students wearing a face shield or other washable cloth-based face coverings, as opposed to three-ply face masks. - Mkini

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