Movement Control Order Archives

MCO: 10-km limit no longer applicable but interstate travel is still not permitted

The 10 km-limit to travel during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period is no longer in force. This was announced by Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the senior minister in charge of the security cluster who speaks on behalf of the National Security Council, today.

It makes sense not to apply the limit now that businesses are being allowed to resume operations as workplaces for some may be further than 10 kms from their homes. The restriction on interstate travel remains and will continue till at least after Hari Raya since it has already been made clear that balik kampung journeys will not be permitted this year.

The only exception has been in the Klang Valley where the state of Selangor and Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur have large populations and interlinked roads. Travel across the borders of these two territories has been permitted throughout the MCO period for those with valid reasons.

However, between May 7 and 10, permission is granted for interstate travel for those who have been stuck in other places since the MCO started. The police received over half a million applications for this exercise which will be conducted according to states of origin during each of the four days. Applications had to be submitted using the Gerak Malaysia mobile app and the police have said that there will be no approval message or notice sent to applicants. So if you have made the application properly online, you can proceed on the scheduled day. Should you be stopped at the roadblock, the police will be able to check on your travel details from the Gerak Malaysia app.

Initially, when the MCO started on April 18, the distance that could be travelled was not specified and it was assumed that people would be responsible enough to go to the closest places to their home to get essential items. However, the police began to find that there were also people who took advantage of the allowance to leave home for such purposes, travelling further than necessary.

There were reports from Penang of people from the island insisting on crossing to the mainland to buy their favourite food. The police did not allow that and ordered them to turn around and became stricter in enforcement, inconveniencing the majority who followed the regulation and had valid reasons to travel further.

This led to the imposition of the 10-km limit on April 1 as the first extension of the MCO started. For the majority, the range was reasonable but there were some cases where people requiring specific medical treatment regularly found that they were not allowed to go to their usual clinic or hospital because it was more than 10 kms away. Eventually, an announcement was made that if there were valid reasons, supported by documents, then such an issue should not occur and they could be allowed to do so.

The other restriction has been the number of people in a vehicle. For much of the MCO period, only one person has been allowed in the vehicle, the driver of course. The idea behind this restriction was mainly related to distancing but many wondered what the difference was when you travelled in a taxi with a passenger. The risks of virus transmission would also be there and in fact be greater since a taxi would carry different people during the day. Nevertheless, the restriction remained and some people who refused to follow it found themselves arrested and fined RM1,000.

It is only recently, with the easing of the MCO conditions, that more than one person has been allowed in the vehicle. At first, two persons were allowed but very quickly, this was increased to 4 persons. The condition, however, is that they must be from the same household. The logic behind this is that since they (assumed to be family members) are already in close contact within the home, it should not make much difference anyway being together in the car. This was a much welcome move for parents with children or older folks who needed to go out.

While the restrictions are gradually being removed, it must be noted that the MCO is still on and there are still elements being enforced. Social distancing is one of the important measures so if you are at a petrol station, be sure to stay at least a metre apart from another person. Wearing a facemask, while not mandatory, is also a good idea if you are out of the home. And, of course, frequent washing of hands is important to reduce the risk of infection as well.

Pledge to maintain social distancing and Volvo Car Malaysia will reward you

To further reinforce the Movement Control Order (MCO) which came into effect on March 18 and will continue until May 12, 2020, Volvo Car Malaysia is pledging its support for social distancing – one of the vital measures to cut the transmission of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Via an online pledge campaign – the Ramadan Safe Pledge – the company will reward Malaysians who pledge to maintain social distancing with RM10 GrabFood vouchers. The pledge posted by participants will be on Instagram.

The campaign, with its own microsite, starts today and will run till May 23, 2020 (from 10 am to 3 pm daily). For a period of 20 days, Volvo Car Malaysia will give out 10,000 vouchers worth RM100,000.

Click here to visit Volvo Ramadan Safe Pledge Campaign microsite

“It is undeniable that all of us are affected by COVID-19 and the implementation of the MCO means we have adopted a new norm in our daily lives. Onward from this, we want to do what we can to help ease the burden of Malaysians. This has resulted in the Ramadan Safe Pledge campaign that provides a platform for Malaysians to reinforce their ‘stay at home’ commitment. Each chosen pledge will be rewarded with a voucher. What goes beyond is the sense of affirmation in everyone to play their role in flattening the curve, while our healthcare professionals continue to protect and save lives,” said Nalin Jain, MD of Volvo Car Malaysia.

Mr. Jain added that the company hopes the 500 vouchers given out daily will enable as many individuals as possible to purchase necessities such as food and groceries, from the safety of their homes. “The ideology of safety is a fundamental driving force for Volvo, so this campaign truly echoes our ethos and enables us to humbly contribute to the community,” he said.

Volvo Pledge — *Three of the five pledge images that can be downloaded*

The Pledge for Social Distancing
Participating in this campaign is simple and participants will need to demonstrate solidarity by reposting on Instagram, one of five different images found on the Volvo Ramadan Safe Pledge Campaign microsite. Alternatively, the pledge can be done directly through Volvo Car Malaysia’s Instagram page by clicking on the link in the bio or through its Instagram Stories. All postings will need to tag @VolvoCarMalaysia, accompanied by the hashtag #MYVolvoSafePledge.

The vouchers will be emailed directly to successful participants via the email address used to sign the pledge. Each voucher has a validity of 6 months and successful participants are selected daily, on a first-pledge-first-repost basis.

“Every little bit helps the people to do the right thing and as a responsible corporate citizen, we want to be able to give back in any way that we can. As a car brand that resonates with Malaysians and has brought many fond memories, we hope that through this campaign, we can help alleviate some of the challenges that may be experienced during this time because we are all in this together and a little help goes a long way. We also would like to take this opportunity to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters a blessed Ramadan,” Mr. Jain said.

Click here for other news and articles about Volvo.

MCO: Police release schedule of interstate travel from May 7 – 10

After confirming that interstate travel will be permitted for those who wish to return to their homes in cities after being trapped since March 18, the police have now released the schedule of travel for the 4 days starting from May 7 as follow:

May 7 (Thursday): travel permitted from Kuala Lumpur to other states.

May 8 (Friday): travel permitted from the states of Perak, Johor and Kelantan.

May 9 (Saturday): travel permitted from Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Melaka and Pahang.

May 10 (Sunday): travel permitted from Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Terengganu.

The scheduling has been done to avoid congestion on the roads. By staggering the movement of vehicles, traffic flow is expected to be smoother.

To date, over 500,000 applications for travel were submitted via the Gerak Malaysia mobile app as well as at police stations (for those who did not have access to the internet). Only those who are 16 years old or older can make the application.

No approval message to be issued
It was clarified that following the application, which must have all the details required provided, there will be no document or message to confirm approval. Travelers can proceed and should they be stopped at roadblocks along the way, the police will refer to the Gerak Malaysia database which should have their details.

The purpose of allowing interstate travel during the four days is to enable people to return to their homes if they have been stuck elsewhere. With businesses starting to resume operations, there will be many who need to report to their workplaces so they need to get home.

This exercise is not for those who have no approval so don’t try to sneak a drive out in the countryside. If you are stopped and cannot give a valid reason for being on the road, you will be charged for breaching the Movement Control Order (MCO). That can mean a RM1,000 fine and/or time in jail.

Observe social distancing
Travelers are advised not to gather in groups if they stop along the way and to practice social distancing. This means that they should be at least a metre apart. Unlike some other countries, there is no mandatory requirement in Malaysia to use a face mask when outside the home. However, it would be a good idea to use one and help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Remember that besides the MCO, all other regulations related to motorists and motor vehicles are still in force! So be sure to observe the speed limits and do not drive along the emergency lanes. If your journey is a long one, take a break every few hours at a R&R so as not to lose concentration due to tiredness.

Have a safe drive home!

MCO: More than 2 persons allowed in a car from tomorrow, but must be from same home

It’s on! Interstate travel will be allowed between May 7 – 10

Interstate travel – forbidden since March 18 – will be permitted on May 7, 8, 9 and 10, 2020 to allow those who have been stuck elsewhere to return to their home cities. The announcement comes after the police received some 500,000 applications via the Gerak Malaysia mobile app. The police will prepare a time schedule for travellers to follow. Originally, the travel dates had been tentatively planned for May 1 – 3.

Speaking at the daily briefing, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the senior minister in charge of the security cluster who speaks on behalf of the National Security Council, said that he hoped employers would understand that some of their employees might not turn up for work yet as they have been stuck in other cities. They will have to travel according to the schedule drawn up by the police.

Those who will be travelling on the highways should note that all facilities at the R&Rs are closed but toilets will be available for use. Petrol stations will also be operational so you can still pick up essential items at their convenience stores and reload your tollcard.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador, said that the number of roadblocks will be reduced from May 4. This will allow the personnel focus on preventing the entry of illegal immigrants and smuggling activities.

However, as the Movement Control Order (MCO) is still in force until May 12, the police will continue to monitor all activities to ensure social distancing is followed. The IGP stressed that the conditional MCO requires people to observe the Standard Operating Procedures during their activities now they are allowed more freedom of movements.

Proton service — *With easing of restrictions under the MCO, service centres are resuming operations.*

Easing of the restrictions of the MCO from this Monday will see many businesses resuming operations. Car companies have announced that their service centres have been given approval to operate at full capacity to provide aftersales services. However, customers are required to make appointments in advance and observe certain procedures such as social distancing when at the premises.

No vehicle sales can be carried out as the showrooms must remain closed until further notice. In any case, even if a vehicle is ready for delivery, it cannot be registered as the JPJ is not doing so at this time. Although it resumed operations on April 29, the services available are only for commercial vehicle operators.

Over 50% drop in sales as MCO brings car industry to a standstill

Authorised Honda dealerships resume service operations from today

Selected authorized Honda dealerships have begun to resume operations from today (April 29) as permission has been granted by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). All service centres in the country had to be closed earlier under the Movement Control Order (MCO) which came into effect on March 18, 2020.

During the period of closure, only emergency services were permitted to assist owners to move their vehicles which may have been immobilized. However, no repair work or maintenance was allowed, and the vehicles had to remain in the service centre for the duration of the MCO.

“Honda Malaysia is truly inspired by the spirit of Malaysians, especially all the frontliners, to overcome the unprecedented situation. The journey to flatten the curve has been tough and extensive but we are ‘Together As One’, staying home in order to have a better outcome for all. We will comply with the extension of the MCO in support of the efforts taken by the Malaysian government and people amid the current situation,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.

“At the same time, customers need to have their cars in good, reliable condition and hence, require maintenance service. As we resume our aftersales services, we emphasize the importance of continuing to adhere to the MCO rules, being attentive and to take precautions especially in hygiene through frequent sanitization and disinfection, general cleanliness and social distancing,” he added, giving assurance that the precautionary and control measures will be strictly implemented at the Honda dealerships to provide a safe environment during customer visits.

Procedures at service centres
Upon arrival at the dealership, customers will undergo temperature scanning and hand sanitizers have been prepared for their use while their appointment status is being verified. Individuals recording temperature of 37.5 degrees C. and above or are exhibiting symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath will be advised to leave the premises to immediately seek medical attention.

Honda Malaysia has also asked its dealers to enforce stringent measures concerning crowd control and social distancing. The number of customers present at any one time for their vehicle service in the dealership shall be limited at minimum capacity. It is compulsory for customers to make appointments with their nearest dealer (within 10 kms of their home) to smoothen their visit and ensure the availability of a slot for their service before going to the service centre.

To facilitate social distancing, the dealers are commencing a car drop service. This new service allows customers with appointments to just drop off their cars at the dealerships and conduct discussion on their car service updates or enquiries via telephone with the service advisors so as to maintain social distance. This practice will not only help safeguard the well-being of the customers and service advisors, but also provide substantial convenience to Honda owners.

Honda Malaysia is also taking extra precautions to ensure the highest safety and good personal hygiene of service advisors. Temperature checking will be implemented on employees and they are reminded to wash their hands regularly, and practice social distancing by maintaining a distance of 1 metre from one another at all times. Hand sanitizing stations are set up for the convenience of service advisors and customers, and some areas in the dealerships will be restricted or remain closed to ensure customers safety.

Honda Malaysia and SOCAR offer cars for use by frontliners

MCO: 2 persons allowed in a vehicle – but only for specific purposes

For those who have been frustrated by the one-person-per-vehicle ruling under the Movement Control Order (MCO), there’s good news. The ruling has now been amended to permit two persons to be in a vehicle – but there are also conditions. The two persons should be from the same household and family, so it would be husband and wife, or mother and child, etc.

And as before, travel (maximum of 10 kms) is only permitted for the purpose of buying essential groceries, food, medical supplies or to seek medical treatment. And the range from home is 10 kms, unless there is a special reason to go further, ie for specialized medical treatment at a specific hospital or clinic (documents must be shown).

This allowance should be appreciated so don’t use it as an opportunity to go dating because that would get you arrested. Those who abuse this allowance will only cause problems for other law-abiding citizens who follow the rules because the authorities may decide to withdraw it since there is disobedience.

ROADBLOCK — The police and armed forces are at roadblocks day and night, in the sun and rain (and storms), so don’t make their job harder by not following the regulations. And if you wish to show appreciation for their hard work, pass them a box of drinks for them to buka puasa.

As the situation improves with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia, the government is slowly adjusting the regulations but stresses the need to observe social distancing. This must be kept in mind now that more people can go out so supermarkets and other places will see more customers.

Many service centres are also operating but customers are asked to make appointments before going. This is to enable the personnel to adhere to the conditions of their permit to operate. The companies must practice social distancing in their premises for the protection of the public as well as their staff. Therefore making an appointment will enable them to prepare for the arrival of a customer and minimize interaction.

Note also that the 10-km range limit applies so choose the service centre closest to you. To determine how far away it is, you can use Waze or Google Maps to check the distance.

Last day to apply for interstate travel
Today is also the last day to apply for interstate travel. This is only for those who have been trapped in another place and want to return to their home in the city. To date, the police have received over 250,000 applications via the Gerak Malaysia mobile application. After reviewing the applications, the police will provide the National Security Council with the data for discussion on the schedule to allow travel to take place.

The plan is for the schedule to be from May 1, 2 and 3, depending on the volume of traffic and the origins/destinations of the travellers. Applicants who receive approval will be issued a QR code which they must show at roadblocks to pass through without problems.

Download Gerak Malaysia app from the Apple AppStore, Google PlayStore or Huawei App Gallery

Police confirm that interstate travel allowed from May 1 – May 3 to return home to cities

The police have confirmed that those who wish to travel interstate for the purpose of returning to their homes will be able to do so on May 1, 2 and 3, 2020. However, they will need to register for the permit to do so, and their application will be subject to approval.

Applications are to be done through the Gerak Malaysia app which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store, Google Playstore and also the Huawei App Gallery. Applications can be done from tomorrow (April 26) and not today, as earlier stated. Applicants must also update their information regarding travel destinations and will be inform on May 1 of the application status.

Download Gerak Malaysia app from the Apple AppStore, Google PlayStore or Huawei App Gallery

In the event that the applicant is unable to use the mobile app, applications in writing can also be made at the nearest police station. However, the public is encouraged to use the mobile app if possible so that they do not have to be present at the station. Earlier, when the Movement Control Order and ban on interstate travel was announced, there were large queues at police stations because there was, initially, an instruction to apply for permits to do interstate travel.

Note that this permission to travel is strictly for those whose home is in another town or city as the government is not allowing ‘balik kampung’ journeys this year. So if you cannot prove that you actually reside in a different place, it may be difficult to get approval. The provision is generally for those living in the cities and who have been away for the period of the MCO which has been more than one month.

*Facilities at R&R locations are closed but the toilets are still available.*

Those who receive approval to travel must adhere to the conditions they will be given. They should also note that the R&R facilities (including suraus) along the highways are closed. They can stop to use the toilets and also refuel at petrol stations which will be open from 6 am to midnight. Social distancing should be practiced at all times.

Registration to travel interstate to return home starts today

With the improving situation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic (though it is far from being over), the government has been progressively easing restrictions set under the Movement Control Order (MCO) that started on March 18 and is presently scheduled to be lifted on May 12, 2020. During that time, there have been many people who may have been in other towns and cities, away from their regular places of residence, who got stuck there because interstate travel was stopped.

As Hari Raya is coming and it has also been some time that they have been stuck away from their homes, the government is considering allowing movement for the purpose of returning to their homes. It should be noted that the government is firm on not permitting ‘balik kampung’ travel and permission is likely to be given to those who can prove that their actual place of residence is in another town or city.

At this time, starting from today, those who want a permit to travel for the purpose of returning home can apply from today (Saturday April 25). They can register online using the Gerak Malaysia app with the police and Communications and Multimedia Ministry (MCMC). Those who do not have internet access can go to the police station nearest to them to register.

Download the Gerak Malaysia app at the Apple AppStore and Google PlayStore

However, it should be noted that this is only a registration process and not only subject to approval by the police, but it is also not confirmed that the restriction on interstate travel will be lifted. A final decision will only be made on or after May 1, after a review by the National Security Council and Health Ministry.

University and college students may go home
Meanwhile, plans are also being made to allow university and college students to return to their kampungs. They have been confined to their campuses since the MCO started and as there have been no clusters of infections appearing in these places, it may be safe to allow them to leave.

However, the Health Ministry, while stressing that there should be no ‘balik kampung’ travel, has strongly recommended that any such move must be done properly with protective measures such as social distancing being implemented. Transportation should also not be by public transport so buses will have to be organized to send the students.

Highway — *Balik kampung journeys will not be permitted this year so we won’t see such scenes when thousands of vehicles move along the highways.*

JPJ open from April 29
Meanwhile, the JPJ (Road Transport Department) will open its counters from April 29 (next Wednesday) with limited services available from 8 am to 1 pm. The services are primarily for commercial vehicle owners.

Registration of new vehicles is not mentioned so car companies won’t be able to get this necessary process completed in order to deliver the new cars to customers. So it looks like the car industry will see zero sales for April, an unprecedented occurrence in its history. The same would apply in some countries although many only began their restrictions after Malaysia’s move and will remain in lockdown for a number of weeks more.

VW service centre — *Most authorised service centres are open again but you should make an appointment first.*

As for service centres which had been closed, most of those managed by authorized franchise holders are operational. Permission has been granted for them to provide aftersales services but because the conditions stipulate a minimal workforce, appointments need to be made in advance to schedule work. Also bear in mind that 10-km range limit from your home under the MCO (you can use Waze or Google Maps to determine the distance).

Health warning when you get home
For those who have been away from their homes for over a month, it will be nice getting back to familiar surroundings. But before you start to use the water in the house, you should consider running it for some time to get fresh water in. Studies have found that over many weeks, bacteria can start to grow in water pipes that have not had water passing through them daily. Even filters may have bacterial growth which can occur anywhere there is dampness. This article will give you more insights into the issue.

You might be able to return home for Hari Raya if you are stuck in another place

On March 18, 2020, the government activated the Movement Control Order (MCO) nationwide as a measure to stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus by limiting human contact. As had been seen when some other countries had implemented similar actions, many people quickly left the cities to return to go to other places and as some of them were already infected, they carried the virus further and started an explosion of cases.

The Malaysian government wanted to avoid that so one of the strict conditions was that there would be no interstate travel, besides forbidding Malaysians to leave the country. The aim was to keep those who might be infected where they were so that health authorities could identify and screen them and then isolate them. But even before the MCO started, there were already some infected persons going to other towns and the spread would later be evident in other parts of the country as clusters of infected persons were found.

So there have been many people who went back to their hometowns before the MCO started and then got stuck there ever since. But with Hari Raya coming, the government is still reluctant to lift the interstate travel restriction. The Health Ministry is concerned that if there is the usual ‘balik kampung’ exodus, the number of cases could rise again, and all our #stayathome sacrifices for over a month will have been wasted.

Register with Gerak Malaysia app
However, the government has now announced that those who want to return to urban areas might be able to do so. They can register online using the Gerak Malaysia app with the police and Communications and Multimedia Ministry (MCMC) from April 25 (this Saturday), according to Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob during his daily press briefing today.

Download the Gerak Malaysia app at the Apple AppStore and Google PlayStore

Those who do not have internet access can go to the police station nearest to them to register. But, at this time, this is just registration for permission to travel. A final decision will only be made on or after May 1, after a review by the National Security Council and Health Ministry.

To date, over 830 roadblocks have been set up by the police and armed forces in towns and cities around the country to enforce the MCO conditions. While most people are aware that they cannot do ‘social motoring’, there are still some who deliberately break the law and when caught, they will have to pay a fine of RM1,000 and might also spend time in jail.

MCO has helped
The latest numbers show that there are positive results from having the MCO although it has caused a lot of stress for many people. As of April 21, 5,482 Covid-19 cases have been reported but 3,349 (61%) have recovered while there have been 92 deaths (1.68%) related to the virus.

There are also more Green Zones (areas without any active Covid-19 cases), with the number at 64. Red zones (41 cases or more) number 14, with the highest number in the Lembah Pantai district in Kuala Lumpur (347 cases).

Increase in traffic to be expected as more sectors are permitted to resume operations

Over the past week, there have been remarks on social media by motorists who have become frustrated by what seems to be the increasing number of vehicles on the road. This is in spite of the Movement Control Order (MCO) restricting a large portion of the population to their homes. This being the case, it is expected that the traffic volumes should be less.

However, it has to be noted that the MCO does not stop people from travelling if they wish to go to the supermarket to buy essential items or to pick up food orders. So there will still be many vehicles on the road daily and their occupants (should be one person in the vehicle) are not breaking the law.

70% of motorists are in essential services
What the police have found is that 70% of the vehicles on the road are those being driven by people in essential services – those who work in banks, hospitals and telcos, for example. And as additional sectors have been allowed to resume operations, there will be more and more vehicles on the road in coming weeks when the companies receive their approval letters and recall their employees for daily work.

The other thing to also remember is that the roadblocks will inevitably create a queue. On the Federal Highway between Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, for example, three lanes are closed off and traffic is directed to a single lane. Each vehicle has to stop and be checked which requires a bit of time. It may be helpful of the police have two lanes instead but manpower may be an issue as they have had to set up roadblocks nationwide.

Travel during off-peak hours
From the police studies, about 25% of the motorists are those who are buying essential items or doing other permissible things such as going to a hospital. Of course, there are also those who travel for invalid reasons which is why the checking is needed, and those who are found to be doing so are likely to be arrested and have to pay a RM1,000 fine as well as spend time in jail.

The police recommend that those who are out buying stuff travel at non-peak hours which would be after 9 am or before 5 pm. In this way, there will be less traffic on the road so those who are working in the essential services can proceed with less delay.

Less crime, less accidents
Meanwhile, it has also been found that crime and road accidents have fallen significantly. Since the MCO started on March 18, the number of road accidents has dropped by almost 70%, with a total of 10,382 accidents recorded between March 18 to April 14.

However, the reduced traffic on many roads has also led some motorists to ignore laws. There have been complaints of speeding and even more dangerous, not stopping for red lights at junctions. Yes, it’s nice to drive around but you still need to adhere to laws.

The police and army personnel are manning the roadblocks day and night, in the hot sun and lately in the rain. If you wish to do so and can afford it, drop off a box of water or drinks for them on your way home after buying your essentials. Let’s show our appreciation to these frontliners.

Face mask not compulsory
Incidentally, wearing a face mask is not compulsory when out of the home (unlike in Singapore now). So if you choose not to wear one while driving, you will not be committing any offence. Of course, for the personnel at roadblocks who have to check thousands daily, it would make them feel more comfortable if the driver has a face mask on but there are no grounds for being detained if he or she does not wear one.

All other earlier regulations relating to travel remain in force and we are not aware of any changes. The authorities have clarified that those who have to travel beyond the 10-km range because they have to go for specialised medical treatment are permitted to do so. Of course, they should have documents to prove their need to travel further. The police are not insensitive to genuine cases and what angers them is people who tell lies or simply refuse to follow the basic instruction to #stayathome.

Limited activities in auto industry permitted in final (hopefully) phase of MCO

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