Public transport operating hours to be limited
PETALING JAYA: Public transport services will be limited to only during specific hours while the movement control order (MCO) is in force.
Senior Minister (Defence) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said these services would only be allowed to operate from 6am to 10am and 5pm to 10pm daily.
“The period of operation was set as such to allow those working in sectors deemed as essential services to travel to work.
“This is also for the public to buy essential goods in markets and supermarkets,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He added that e-hailing and taxi services would be allowed to operate as usual, although social distancing has to be practised at all times.
Ismail said as of yesterday, the compliance rate for the 14-day MCO was at 92%, adding that this figure needs to be further improved.
To date, the authorities have conducted a total of 1,903 roadblocks nationwide, with over 120,000 vehicles being inspected.
“Although the compliance rate has increased, public understanding on the importance of social distancing remains low.”
Ismail also reminded the public that all interstate and inter-district travel are prohibited at the moment, other than those who are working in essential services and those with emergency cases.
He said civil servants who are on duty will be issued a letter stating that they have to be in service, while employers in the private sector offering essential services are also required to prepare a letter for their staff.
Additionally, the government has agreed to reduce the ceiling price of face masks from RM2, and the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has been tasked to take the necessary action immediately.
“The government has also agreed to bear the cost of meals for all students in both public and private higher education institutions during the MCO period.
“A total of 74,530 students will receive RM15 a day for 11 days, at an estimated total cost of RM12.3 million,” he said.