Home Ministry releases FAQ, urges public to report violations

CORONAVIRUS | The Home Ministry has released a frequently asked questions paper which covers the police, Immigration Department, Prisons Department, Registrar of Societies, among others.

The FAQ, which is reproduced in full at the bottom of this article, mostly states what is allowed, or not, during the movement control order (MCO) period and what are the services that are operating, or not.

Below is a summary of salient points.

Tell on offenders

The home ministry wants the public to report food sellers who allow dine-in customers and employers who force their staff to turn up for work in non-essential industries.

Violation of the MCO can result in a maximum fine of RM1,000, up to six months in jail or both.

What is allowed

• Entry into the country by Malaysian citizens or permanent residents.
• Travel from between East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) and Peninsular Malaysia, with conditions.
• Travelling abroad for work, on the condition that the person cannot return at least until March 31.
• Malaysians can only leave for Singapore if their Singaporeans employers prove that they have prepared accommodations.
• Malaysian citizens and permanent residents who have to drive heavy vehicles abroad are allowed to cross borders on the condition that they undergo health screenings on the way in.
• Foreigners who cannot return to their home countries due to lockdowns can stay if they obtain a special pass from the Immigration Department.
• Foreigners with temporary work passes can renew their papers after the MCO.

What is not allowed

• Cargo vehicles transporting non-essential items.
• Eating at restaurants or food stalls.
• Spreading fake news.
• Leaving the country by a Malaysian or permanent resident.
• Visits by most foreigners.
• Travelling to Singapore and back for work regularly.
• Temporary work pass holders who are currently abroad are not allowed back into Malaysia until March 31, except for spouses of Malaysians, diplomats and those who are working in essential services.
• Prison visitations, transfers and prisoners attending funerals.
• Parole process.

Keep up with the latest information on the outbreak in the country with Malaysiakini's free Covid-19 tracker.