No National Day parade for now - Ismail Sabri

He said this is because the annual National Day parade on Aug 31 is an event that involves large crowds.

"It is difficult to practice social distancing during the parade. Not only among the participants but also the audience,” he told a press conference after attending a special ministerial meeting on the implementation of the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) here today.

Ismail Sabri however said, other programmes such as the launch of the National Month, Flying the Jalur Gemilang campaign and the 'Ambang Merdeka' (Merdeka Eve) celebration may be held.

"However, I believe that Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah will announce the details on the National Day celebration,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said those from the peninsula who wish to go to Sabah or Sarawak are no longer required to undergo the 14-day home quarantine.

He said that people are now free to travel in the country without having to undergo the quarantine as the situation in Sabah and Sarawak is under control.

“However, when they arrive at the airport they may be randomly screened, involving one or two individuals in a flight,” he said.

On foreigners who wish to enter the country in order to be with their ailing Malaysian spouse, Ismail Sabri said they could do so by presenting documents regarding their partner's condition from the hospital or doctor.

"Holders of spouse visa can enter the country (without having to apply to the Immigration Department). Those without a spouse visa can apply to the Immigration Department in cases of death or any medical condition,” he said.

Ismail Sabri was commenting on a news portal report on a Singaporean man strongwho/strong had appealed to the government to allow him to enter the country so that he could meet his ailing Malaysian wife.

The couple was separated after both countries closed their borders following the COVID-19 pandemic.