MOH to study on mandatory quarantine for those returning to Peninsula from Sabah after state election

The Health Ministry (MOH) will study if there is a need to impose mandatory quarantine on those from the Peninsula who went to Sabah for the state election upon their return.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said the matter would be discussed at the Special Ministerial Meeting on the Implementation of the Movement Control Order.

“We will conduct a study on the risks involved and it will be discussed at the Special Ministerial Meeting on COVID-19 and also with the National Security Council (NSC)," he told reporters at a press conference after officiating the Bagan Pinang Wellness Hub here, today.

He said this when asked whether the ministry would impose a mandatory quarantine order against those from the Peninsula who are involved in the Sabah election upon their return from the state, following the increase in new COVID-19 cases in Sabah.

Yesterday, the Health Ministry reported a surge in new COVID-19 positive cases, with 182 cases involving 181 local infection and one imported case.

The COVID-19 cases in Sabah, involving the Benteng LD Cluster recorded 250 cases with 167 new cases recorded yesterday.

On the Sabah state election, Dr Adham said the ministry would use the guidelines on COVID-19 that were applied during the Chini state by-election in Pahang and the Slim by-election in Perak.

The Election Commission has set Sept 26 as polling day for the Sabah state election, with early voting on Sept 22. Today is the polling day.

When asked whether the current COVID-19 situation warrants imposing inter-state travel, he said there was no need for that at the moment with the implementation of the Enhanced Movement Control Order in some areas to curb the spread of the virus.

On the Wellness Hub programme, Dr Adham said it is a one stop centre that provides health promotion facilities and services to the local community.

To date, the MOH has established 28 Wellness Hubs nationwide, each costing almost RM500,000, he added.

-- BERNAMA