All interstate travel will require police permission for two-week movement control period

KUALA LUMPUR: If you are still wondering about the seriousness of the Coronavirus pandemic, this news will shake you a bit. The Malaysian government has ordered a two-week movement control period owing to which anyone who wishes to travel inter-state shall seek prior police permission.

The order is immediately put to effect and this has also created a ruckus among Malaysians as to what exactly needs to be done. People have started crowding the police stations and filling up forms to obtain permission, however, some of them are still reluctant after conflicting actions taken by the police.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said, “public is required to notify their respective police station chiefs about the intention of inter-state travel and submit an application to obtain requisite permission. They will be required to bring appropriate documents to verify their business and exemption letters will be issued to those who need to travel for important matters or emergencies. The process is not cumbersome and will only take few minutes in the entire process."

There is no official curb on mobility but it is highly advised to avoid public and social gatherings and stay secluded. Though isolation may not be the ultimate solution but it is one of the most effective preventive measures. And as it is said “Prevention is better than cure”, thus, seclusion is far better than falling prey to this deadly infection.

If the government finds out that public is not adhering to its orders, some stricter actions will be decided accordingly. During this limited control movement period, counters to settle traffic summons and other licensing departments shall also remain closed.

Photos of crowd flocking the police stations are already getting viral on social media. A copy of the permission letter was also made available to the media by Bukit Aman Corporate Communications officers. The letter details the information that is required to be submitted by the people intending to travel interstate. Basic details like personal and contact information, car type and plate registration numbers, the number of people travelling, and the addresses of their home and intended destination need to be provided to the Police Chief.

Controlling public movement is the only way to stop the outbreak of this virus and this order is expected to be respected by the public.

Source credit: Paultan