Defence Minister: Voters In Sabah Who Are Positive For Covid-19 Are NOT Allowed To Vote

In his press conference today, Defence  Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced those in Sabah who have tested positive for Covid-19 will NOT be allowed to go and vote.

Even though Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) is not implemented in all the places, the SOPs are still being tightened throughout many places in Sabah to ensure the safety of everyone and to control the infection clusters.

“We are trying to avoid an ‘election cluster’ to form in the future.”

He added that campaigning is allowed but he expects everyone to maintain social distancing and the number of people is restricted. This includes speeches and house visits where only 30 people are allowed for a speech. As usual, everyone is expected to wear masks and sanitise their hands.

There are four categories of voters as such:

• Regular voters: Voters who vote as usual but maintain set SOPs and social distancing
• Covid-19 symptomatic voters: Voters who will be allowed to vote but at a special designated place
• Quarantined voters: These voters are allowed to vote but they would have to apply at the District Health Centre prior to that
• Covid-19 positive voters: These voters are not allowed to vote to prevent further transmission

The minister reminded that individuals returning from Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan are not required to go through the 14-day quarantine period. However, there are exceptions for those who are symptomatic and they would have to undergo a swab test.

Also read: UMNO Member Reportedly Found Positive For Covid-19 After Campaigning in Sabah