PUTRAJAYA, October 10 – The Government, on the advice of the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) previously, has decided that all cross -state and district activities throughout Malaysia are not allowed without the permission of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM). The cross -state ban was made by the government to ensure the safety and well -being of Malaysian families, although it was a difficult decision because some spouses and parents had to separate from family members for too long.
As long as this ban is enforced, the government listens and understands the grievances of Malaysian families who have to sacrifice precious time with their families. In retrospect, this decision is not something that the people like. However, it needs to be implemented at that time to ensure that the spread of the epidemic can be curbed due to the increase in daily COVID-19 positive cases. Alhamdulillah, according to the MOH, the complete vaccination rate of the adult population under the National COVID-19 Immunization Plan (PICK) has reached 90 percent. However, the latest data will be updated on the COVIDNOW website at midnight tonight.
In this regard, the government has agreed to give permission for Malaysian families who have received complete vaccinations to move across the state without having to apply for permission from the PDRM starting tomorrow, Monday, 11 October 2021. With this decision, Malaysian families are free to move such as back to the village to meet parents who have long been separated, travel, and so on.
I would like to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the Malaysian Family for their cooperation in complying with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and supporting the COVID-19 immunization campaign. However, I would like to remind the Malaysian Family to do not be complacent about the flexibility given. This is important in helping the country in reopening the economy as well as preparing to live the endemic phase safely or #ReopeningSafely.
If this is taken lightly, it is not impossible that the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic will increase again. You are now the front line that will protect families and communities from COVID-19 virus infection. For example, if they want to return to the village to meet their parents or across the state, Malaysian families are advised to do a self-COVID-19 test before embarking on a journey. For those who have symptoms such as fever, cough, cold and shortness of breath, I advise you to postpone the trip first.
If you test positive, quarantine yourself or call the nearest COVID-19 Assessment Center (CAC) for immediate treatment. This permission does not mean that the authorities will be careless. Although there are no more Road Restrictions (SJR) to control cross -state movement, but SJR for crime and security is still in place. Random inspections will still be carried out by the authorities under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).
I would also like to emphasize that this cross -state movement permission does not apply to areas or localities declared by the Tightened Movement Control Order (PKPD).
MyTravelPass. Meanwhile, the government also agreed to allow Malaysians to travel abroad without going through the #MyTravelPass of the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM). However, travelers still have to undergo mandatory quarantine upon returning home. This permission will also take effect on October 11, 2021.
The repeal decision is among others to connect family members and separated spouses, Malaysians who go abroad for work and those who conduct business. However, this permission is subject to individuals who have been completely vaccinated. Despite all the loopholes that have been announced, the fact is that we have to live with the COVID-19 virus. This situation not only requires the people to continue to comply with the SOP, but also important to increase self -assessment in order to protect Malaysian Families.
18. Therefore, for those who have not been vaccinated, do so immediately. This is because many of the relaxations that have been announced such as cross-state, domestic and overseas travel, dine-in, etc. depend on the complete conditions of vaccination.
Vaccines reduce the risk of infection, prevent from getting more severe infections, reduce the risk of death due to COVID-19 as well as reduce the burden on the health system. The latest data by the MOH shows that vaccination has successfully reduced the admission rate of COVID-19 patients to the ICU by 83 per cent and the mortality rate due to COVID-19 infection by 88 per cent. To ensure that the country’s transition to the endemic phase runs smoothly and safely, the people now bear a great responsibility to make this effort a success. Among the measures that must be implemented is to strengthen public health actions by adopting TRIIS, namely:
a. TEST-Perform COVID-19 detection test independently if experiencing symptoms of infection;
b. REPORT – Report detection test results as soon as possible on MySejahtera;
c. ISOLATE – Perform quarantine or self -isolation immediately and with full discipline if found positive so as not to endanger those around;
d. INFORM – Immediately inform your close contacts if found positive and also report all close contacts via the link in MySejahtera. Also inform the nearest CAC if the personal health situation deteriorates while undergoing quarantine at home; and
e. SEEK – Seek immediate treatment at nearby medical centers or CACs if you experience severe symptoms.
I would also like to remind all owners of restaurant premises, grocery stores, shopping malls, sports facilities including gymnasiums, offices etc., to check the vaccination status as well as the risk status of COVID-19 customers in the application MySejahtera them. This measure is important to ensure that the risk of infection in the premises is low.
Finally, I would like to once again express my deepest appreciation to the Malaysian Family who are disciplined and abide by every SOP set. I would also like to thank all the front line personnel who have been fighting tirelessly to help the country fight COVID-19. It is my great hope that we all continue to stand shoulder to shoulder because it is very clear that success in this war will not be possible without the efforts of all members of the Malaysian Family. I am sure, Malaysian Families can do it together. God willing.
