MOH will determine if interstate movement to 'balik kampung' is allowed - Ismail Sabri

KUALA LUMPUR: The interstate journey to ‘balik kampung’ in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri can only be determined after a risk assessment by the Ministry of Health (MOH).

Senior Minister (Defence Cluster), Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, said it is not easy to arrive at a decision as ‘balik kampung’ is one of the main contributors to the increase in cases of COVID-19 infection.

"I take the example of Kelantan. Previously Kelantan was a green state but it became a red state after ‘balik kampung’ was allowed in December.

"It's the same with Sarawak. It used to be a green state but after the ‘balik kampung’ season for Christmas, we can see Sarawak being a red state and until today, there are still some red parts," he said when interviewed by Jep, Rahim and Angah in the Pagi Di Sinar segment, today.

Ismail Sabri added that the MOH expects the number of new cases to be reduced to 500 around May but it cannot be ascertained what figures are considered safe to allow ‘balik kampung’ again.

In the meantime, Ismail Sabri explained that interstate travel for tourism activities is only allowed from green states to green states through travel agencies.

"Many still misunderstand. Travel is only allowed from green states to green states and through travel agencies registered with the Ministry of Tourism.

"This is because traveling with an agency facilitates SOP control. For example, if the tourist goes on his own, maybe he will divert to another place.

"But with a registered agency, everything has already been arranged including suitable transportation. So, it is easy to control and the implementation of SOPs can be monitored," he said.