8 LOCALITIES IN TAWAU UNDER EMCO
76 Covid-19 cases detected, 220 close contacts identified in district
EIGHT localities in Sabah’s Tawau district will be under the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) for 14 days starting today after an increase in Covid-19 cases.
The localities are Taman Sri Bukit Tawau, Taman Cahaya, Jalan Tengku Osman, Tawau Fire and Rescue Department quarters, Bandar Sri Indah, Jalan Mesra, Kampung Titingan and Taman Golden Hill.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri
Yaakob said cumulatively, 76 positive cases and 220 close contacts were identified in these eight localities to date.
“The Health Ministry confirmed there has been a Covid-19 outbreak at the mentioned localities with a high infectivity rate.
“After a risk assessment at the MCO technical committee meeting and with the Health Ministry’s advice, the government has agreed to implement the EMCO at eight localities in Tawau district, Sabah, from April 12 to April 25,” he said yesterday.
He added that the EMCO would limit the movement of residents to prevent the coronavirus from spreading to other localities.
Ismail Sabri said the EMCO would also be enforced at Sungai Passin, Matu district, Sarawak, from today to April 25.
He said thus far, out of 64 residents screened, 32 tested positive for Covid-19 in the locality. He said two more localities — Kampung Pak Sik and Felcra Keruak — in the Hulu Besut subzone would be placed under the EMCO from today to April 20.
“Previously, Kampung Belaoh, Kampung PPRT Belaoh Baru and Kampung Keruak in the Hulu Besut subzone have been placed under the EMCO, and restrictions were scheduled to end on April 20.
“As of April 10, 61 positive cases were recorded as a result of close contact screenings.
“However, the Health Ministry has informed us that there is a need to expand the EMCO to two localities, Kampung Pak Sik and Felcra Keruak, located next to the three villages after reports of positive cases following crowded activities and gatherings,” he said.
He said the EMCO at these two localities would allow the Health Ministry to carry out targeted screenings and contain the spread of the virus.
Ismail Sabri also said the EMCO at Tapah Prison scheduled to end today would be extended for another two weeks until April 26.
“The Health Ministry had conducted 3,572 screenings and 891 positive cases were recorded so far. There are still new infections and the inmates that have been placed at the low risk Covid-19 quarantine and treatment centres have yet to fully recover.”
Police, meanwhile, arrested 208 people on Saturday for violating the SOP. Of the total, 199 were slapped with compounds while nine were remanded.
A total of 112 individuals were nabbed after they were found engaged in activities at entertainment outlets, failing to provide tools for registration/failing to register before entering premises (27), not wearing face masks (16) and other offences (53).
On Saturday, the Compliance Operations Task Force led by the police carried out 66,140 inspections nationwide.
On Op Benteng, Ismail Sabri said nine illegal immigrants were nabbed, with three land vehicles seized and seven illegal immigrants deported.
He said 256 roadblocks were mounted by the police, armed forces, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Malaysian Border Security Agency and other security agencies.
He also said all 807 individuals who arrived at the international arrival points were instructed to undergo mandatory quarantine.
He added that checks by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry at retail and wholesale markets showed there was ample food supply in the country.