KUALA LUMPUR: The government will still maintain the interstate travel ban as it is one of the causes behind the rise in the daily COVID-19 positive cases in the country.
Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the matter was decided at the COVID-19 technical committee meeting today.
He said the decision would definitely not be well-received by Malaysians, but it was needed to curb the spread of the disease.
"Cases have increased in other countries. India currently records over 200,000 COVID-19 positive cases daily, pushing its total cases to over 14 million. The capital New Delhi, scores of hotels and halls have been converted to house COVID-19 patients.
"We definitely do not want such a situation in Malaysia. So once again, I would like to stress on self-monitoring and standard operating procedure (SOP) compliance, 'kita jaga kita'," he told a media conference regarding developments of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) and the Recovery MCO (RMCO) here.
Ismail Sabri, who is also Defence Minister, said 38 interstate travel clusters involving 5,471 cases were recorded from Dec 20, 2020 to April 20 while seven clusters involving 423 cases were recorded this month alone.
In Kelantan, since Dec 7 last year, he said a total of 10 interstate travel clusters have been recorded, some of which are still active until now.
"These interstate travel clusters not only spreading COVID-19 to green zone areas, but activities such as returning to the village to attend social functions also increase the risk of infection to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children," he said.
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said 140 individuals were given compound notices while 19 others were remanded yesterday for flouting the SOP.
Apart from that, he said 56 illegal immigrants were detained and 10 land vehicles were seized in Op Benteng yesterday.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Apr 23 2021
Ismail Sabri said the government will still maintain the interstate travel ban as it is one of the causes behind the rise in the daily COVID-19 positive cases in the country. -- BERNAMA
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.