COMMENT | Why can't we visit our parents?

COMMENT | Azizul visited the Sungai Buloh police station this morning, hoping to get a permit to cross state lines and visit his elderly parents in Prai, Penang. He prepared two copies of his permit application form, his identity card and the vaccination e-certificates of himself and both his parents.

It has been almost 20 months since he last met his parents. He was hopeful in explaining to the police the urgency for him to return home to check on them. They have been alone at home for the longest time and are beginning to display signs of depression.

Azizul planned to spend three weeks with them. As a single man in his forties, he was able to make time for them – something he thought he should have done months ago. While checking on them and observing their mental and physical wellbeing, he could still continue to work from home. It was a good plan and a safe one, so he thought.

The police officers at the station didn’t take a long time to consider his application before turning it down. The rules were clear, they stated, Azizul’s justification of the reason to cross the border did not fall under the 'urgent' category.

Azizul was informed that for him to be permitted for interstate travel to see his parents, he must...