‘No interstate travel allowed for Hari Raya Aidilfitri’

KUALA LUMPUR: There will be no interstate travel to balik kampung for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

In a televised address yesterday, he said the government would enforce a Conditional Movement Control Order by reopening a majority of economic sectors, but social activities involving large gatherings and movements were still not permitted.

He said these included open houses, kenduri and large breaking of fast events.

“Religious activities such Friday prayers and other congregational activities or assemblies in mosques, surau and other houses of worship are not permitted.

“Interstate travel is not permitted, except for work, and for those returning home after being stranded at hometowns or elsewhere. Interstate travel for balik

kampung during the Aidilfitri holidays is not allowed.”

To help frontliners detect new Covid-19 infections, he said, the government created the MySejahtera and MyTrace applications.

He said Malaysia had incurred about RM63 billion in losses since the Movement Control Order (MCO) began on March 18, with a further RM35 billion in losses expected if the MCO was extended for a month, bringing total losses during the enforcement period to about RM98 billion.

“After almost two months into the MCO, I am aware many want to return to work. Traders want to reopen their businesses and the same goes for industrial operators who want to resume operations.

“This is important since it is your source of income. If the MCO is extended, it will put a dent in your income, with bad implications for your financial position.”

He said the country lost about RM2.4 billion a day during the MCO, now in its fourth phase.

“When economic activities are temporarily ceased, it will affect the income of the nation. Taxes cannot be collected, industries will not be able to expand, economic growth is halted and this will lead to unemployment.”

He said many people were concerned about the consequences if the MCO was lifted.

“We have witnessed in several countries where the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases began to increase after they lifted their lockdown measures. We must avoid the same from happening in our country.”