KBS has not submitted applications for athletes to go abroad - Ismail Sabri

He said the government would look into the matter after the applications have been submitted to the Immigration Department.

As of now, he said the policy of not allowing Malaysians to travel abroad for any reason was still in place.

"It is on a case-by-case basis, where the application must be made at the Immigration Department. Likewise, with foreigners who wish to enter the country, we still maintain the same policy.

"Only certain groups are allowed such as diplomats, ‘Malaysia My Second Home’ programme participants and so on," he said during his daily press conference here today.

Citing Japan’s firm stance in postponing the 2020 Olympics, he said Malaysia had taken a similar approach of not allowing foreign athletes into our country.

When commenting on the relaxation of rules on interstate travel, the Bera MP said his journey back to his constituency yesterday was smooth, although there were now more vehicles on major highways.

He also expressed satisfaction with the compliance of traders and the public with the standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the government, while stopping at the rest and recuperation (RR) area in Ranchang.

Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri advised those heading back to the city from their hometowns to begin work tomorrow to be careful on the road and comply with the SOP while stopping at RRs.

On protecting the country's borders from the entry of illegal immigrants in preventing crime and the spread of COVID-19, Ismail Sabri said the police had conducted 67 roadblocks and inspected 48,460 vehicles yesterday, mainly along backdoor routes.

The police detained 20 foreigners at the roadblocks under the operation codenamed ‘Ops Benteng’, he said, adding that the government would take decisive action against anyone trying to enter the country illegally.