WFH directive still remains, says Ismail Sabri:

KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s directive on working from home (WFH) remains in force for now, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Senior Minister (Security) said that no announcements have been made by the International Trade and Industry Ministry or the Public Service Department director-general on changes to the WFH directive.

“We will discuss the matter further during our meetings to decide if the WFH order still stands,” he said at his daily press meet yesterday.

Ismail Sabri said the government was also considering allowing interstate travel, but this would depend on the Covid-19 zone designation of the areas where the journey starts and ends.

“The possibility is being discussed but there are many issues to resolve.

“For example, travelling from a green state in Pahang to a green state in Terengganu – both under the recovery movement control order – may be allowed.

“But problems can also arise, such as travel from Putrajaya to Melaka as an example. Both are under recovery MCO, but one will have to travel through Negri Sembilan, which is under a conditional MCO,” he said, adding that some may say they won’t stop in Negri Sembilan, but this would be difficult to police.

He added that the authorities would need to study the issue carefully first.

Ismail Sabri also said that the Henry Gurney School in Melaka and Rumah Sewa Anong and Beverly Hills in Bintulu, Sarawak, will be placed under an enhanced MCO.

“Up to March 3, the Health Ministry has conducted 1,247 screenings, and 84 positive cases were recorded at both localities in Bintulu.

“The Health Ministry confirmed the steep increase in cases at these areas,” he said.

He added that after conducting a risk assessment, the government agreed to place the localities under an enhanced MCO from March 5-18 to conduct targeted screenings.

Ismail Sabri said at the Henry Gurney School at Teluk Mas, Melaka, 152 positive cases were recorded as at March 3, involving five staffers, eight family members, and 139 detainees.

“After conducting a risk assessment, the government agreed to place the school under an enhanced MCO from March 6-19,” he said.

Meanwhile, those entering Sabah with permission from the police will need to undergo Covid-19 screening three days before their journey, according to Ismail Sabri.

“Only individuals who test negative and don’t show symptoms will be allowed in, and there is no need to undergo a quarantine.

“Those leaving Sabah for the peninsula need not undergo swab tests, but individuals who want to go into Sarawak and Labuan will need to undergo a swab test three days prior to their journey,” he said.