PUTRAJAYA:The government will enhance Ops Benteng implementation at the east coast of Sabah by increasing security forces personnel and assets, following increase in the number of COVID-19 cases due to influx of illegal immigrants in the state.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the special National Security Council (NSC) meeting on COVID-19 today has agreed to further strengthen control in Sabah east coast areas such as in Tawau, Semporna and Lahad Datu.
The additional assets and personnel will involve the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Royal Malaysia Police and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.
Ismail Sabri said the move was necessary as the east coast of Sabah is wide and covers a long stretch with several islands that could be used as the illegals’ transit points.
"Those detained in Ops Benteng, whether they are illegal immigrants or have travel documents, will still be quarantined for 14 days at the designated centres," he told a press conference here, today.
As for inter-district controls throughout the state, several standard operating procedures (SOPs) would be established for restaurants, shops or food stalls, grocery and convenience stores which would be allowed to operate from 6 am to 8 pm.
“Petrol station operating hours are between 6 am to 8 pm; daily market operations from 6 am to 2 pm and night markets, farmers' markets, tamu and wholesale markets are allowed to operate but must comply with the existing SOPs,” he said.
For taxi, e-hailing and food delivery services, they are allowed to operate from 6 am to 8 pm.
He said in the meeting today, it was also decided that the operating hours for entry at the Sultan Iskandar Building Complex in Johor Bahru would remain from 7 am to 7 pm for all vehicles.
Apart from that, he said, the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex or Second Link, in Senai would operate 24hours for heavy vehicles while for light vehicles the operating hours would be from 8am to 12 pm.
On the standard operating procedure (SOP) for ship crewmen, he said crew members who signed on (commencing duty) are required to take the swab test.
"If it is negative, they would be quarantined for 14 days and if positive they would be sent to the hospital for treatment,” he said.
As for crewmen who have signed off (completed duty), he said if their ship is in Malaysian waters for more than 14 days, they would only need to undergo swab test without quarantine.
“However, they would be escorted from the ship to the airport to return to their respective countries,” he said.
Nonetheless, he said if the ship is on its way to another destination and had called at the ports of other countries before arriving in Malaysia, crewmen signing off, would be required to undergo the swab test as well as the 14-day quarantine.
Ismail Sabri said the special meeting today also decided that only leaders of ministerial status and above would be allowed to enter the country on official matters by complying with the SOP set by the government.
"Among them, all delegates including the head of delegation would be required to take swab test three days before arriving at the airport and upon arrival they would once again be required to take the second swab test,” he said.
Apart from that, he said the presence of delegation was only for official event not involving many people and they would be escorted on arrival from airport to the hotel and to the event venue and to the airport again to return to their country of origin and all delegates are only allowed to go through private aircraft.
For national leaders who need to go overseas for official matters on national interest, Ismail Sabri said the meeting agreed to allow them on condition that when they return they need to undergo the 14-day quarantine and nobody is exempted from the requirement.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Oct 03 2020
Ismail Sabri said the move was necessary as the east coast of Sabah is wide and covers a long stretch with several islands that could be used as the illegals transit points, Oct 3 2020. BERNAMApic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
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.