COVID-19: EMCO at Seberang Perai Prison starts today

NIBONG TEBAL: The Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) that will be enforced at Seberang Perai Prison in Jawi, including the Prison Housing Quarters starting today until November 4th was implemented to curb the infection and transmission of COVID-19 in the area.

Astro AWANI surveyed and found barbed wire and cones have been installed around the affected area.

Seberang Perai Selatan District Police Chief, Supt Lee Chong Chern when contacted said, so far, police restrictions have only been made in front of the entrance of the Prison Complex and the entrance of the staff quarters.

"Movement is restricted and if there is no urgent need, they are not allowed to leave the EMCO area," he said.

He added both the Prison Complex and the quarters are facing the main road which is Jalan Kerian - Kedah, but the police did not close the road.

The restriction only involved 3,262 individuals comprising 2,110 prisoners and 1,000 prison staff and families living in quarters, 120 non-resident quarters, and 32 civil servants.

Lee said prison staff as well as family members living in the quarters were only allowed out for important and emergency matters, with police permission.

According to him, policemen will be on duty 24 hours a day according to shifts in the EMCO area.

Meanwhile, Seberang Perai Prison Director Zulkifli Abd Manah said, his party will ensure that all its staff comply with the instructions set during the EMCO implemented for 14 days beginning today.

Commenting on the increase in COVID-19 infection cases in the prison, he said as of Wednesday, nine prisoners had been confirmed positive and there were no new cases involving prison officers.

He said, as of Tuesday, only three prison officers were confirmed positive for COVID-19 while the latest cumulative number was 95 cases.

EMCO was implemented at Seberang Perai Prison and its staff quarters following the increase in positive COVID-19 cases involving the Jawi Prison Cluster.

A survey in the Prison Complex area found that there was movement in and out involving the staff of the Ministry of Health Malaysia and Sungai Bakap Hospital into the prison area since 8 am.