Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, addressed the nation today in a live press conference and many tuned in to discover whether an interstate travel ban would be implemented during the long Hari Raya Haji weekend. While those travelling back can breathe a sigh of relief, there were also many notable points made by Ismail Sabri concerning the SOPs that will apply during Hari Raya Haji celebrations. Here’s what you need to know:
1. A maximum of 20 guests allowed to celebrate per household at any one time
As most families are travelling back to their hometowns to celebrate the Hari Raya Haji weekend, the minister placed a 20 person limit per household for celebratory affairs at any given time.
2. Quarantined individuals or PUS are not allowed to leave their houses, balik kampung, or have guests over
Those who are placed under mandatory quarantine or are People Under Surveillance (PUS) are not permitted to exit their households, much less balik kampung to visit relatives or have guests over to celebrate. The minister advised the public to report anyone who is caught participating in these practices.
3. Hari Raya Haji banquets are disallowed, only packaged food permitted
4. A maximum number of 10 animals can be sacrificed for ibadah qurban (religious sacrifice)
5. Only 20 people allowed to be present at the sacrifice for one animal
6. Visiting of mosque for prayers during Hari Raya Haji celebrations allowed but limited
7. Sarawak Govt To Limit Number of Flights from Sabah, Labuan and Semenanjung Malaysia Starting 1st August
Sarawak will be divided into two zones:
- Zone 1 (red & yellow zone): Kuching, Serian, Samarahan
- Zone 2 (green zone): Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Kapit, Mukah, Bintulu, Miri, Limbang
Movement between zones will be limited and people who want to go between zones will need to ask for permission from PDRM. Movement in the respective zones itself is allowed. This will begin from 1st August till 14th August. The government of Sarawak has also decided to minimise the number of flights from Labuan, Sabah and Semenanjung Malaysia starting from 1st August till 14th August. Anyone going into Sarawak starting from then will need to be quarantined in hotels for 14 days.
8. The government will bear 56% of all quarantine costs
All returning Malaysians who are subjected to undergo the 14-day quarantine at quarantine centres will only have to bear 44% of the actual quarantine costs as governing authorities will cover the rest of the costs.
9. Starting today (27th July), PDRM will arrest those who have not attended the second testing
Ismail Sabri warned citizens that the police will arrest and charge 2,897 individuals who skipped the mandatory second Covid-19 screening.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Also read: Defence Minister: Balik Kampung Allowed But Follow Necessary SOPs
