EMCO in two localities in Sarawak aimed at facilitating targeted screenings - Ismail Sabri

As such, the enforcement of the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) in the two localities from tomorrow (Feb 6) to Feb 19 would facilitate the Ministry of Health's (MOH) implementation of targeted screening at both localities and to control infections within the community, he said in a statement on the MCO today.

Among the standard operating procedures (SOP) are that residents will not be allowed to go in and out of the localities and food aid will be coordinated by the Kuching division disaster management committee.

Apart from that, all social, recreational and cultural activities are prohibited while all mosques, surau, houses of worship and schools are to remain closed during the period. For emergency cases, like health and death, permission from the police is required.

Meanwhile, the EMCO at Kampung Sungai Ud and Kampung Sungai Ud Hilir in Dalat, Sarawak, which was supposed to end on Feb 10, has been extended from Feb 11-16.

"As of Feb 3, 21 COVID-19 positive cases were recorded and the MOH confirmed that it is still waiting for the results of 2,021 more samples," said Ismail Sabri.

He added that Sekolah Menengah Sultan Idris Shah II in Gerik, Perak has also been placed under the EMCO from Feb 6-19.

As of Feb 2 the MOH has conducted 81 screenings, from which 24 positive cases were recorded while two more samples are awaiting results, he said.

Meanwhile, 747 individuals were arrested for violating the SOP yesterday, with 723 of them compounded and 24 remanded.

Among the offences were not wearing face masks (159), unauthorised interstate/interdistrict travel (113), no physical distancing (140), failing to provide devices for recording of customers' particulars (156), premises operating beyond permitted hours/without permission (50), leaving home without valid reasons (41) and others (88), he said.

On Op Benteng, he said police detained three illegal immigrants and seized a boat as well as five land vehicles.