KUALA LUMPUR: Married couples living separately in different states must apply for permission before undertaking journeys requiring the crossing of state borders.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob reiterated that interstate travel rules are still in effect under the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).
"Interstate travel is banned except for work, emergencies, those with ill family members and in cases of death; as well as married couples living (separately) in different states.
"However, those under these four categories must apply with the police before they travel for conditional permission.
"This is because, for example, it is difficult to identify whether an individual is genuinely living apart from their spouse, or if they are using the excuse (to make an interstate) trip," he said at the daily CMCO press conference here, today.
Yesterday, Ismail Sabri said the government had given the green light for married couples living apart to undertake interstate travel beginning tomorrow (June 1).
On public compliance with CMCO SOPs, he said police yesterday arrested 158 individuals for defying the CMCO. Of the total, 157 were remanded and one was released on police bail.
"Besides that, 457 individuals were slapped with compounds for various offences, including one for Hari Raya Aidilfitri visiting, and others for interstate travel violations.
"States with the highest interstate travel violations were Perak (42 compounds), followed by Selangor (32 compounds), and Penang and Johor (24 compounds each)," he said.
On Sarawakians celebrating Hari Gawai tomorrow, Ismail Sabri urged them to comply with CMCO festive SOPs.
"Just like Hari Raya and Pesta Kaamatan, visiting is only allowed on the first day of the celebration and is limited to 20 family members from the same house or immediate neighbours.
"We must adjust to the new norms and always be disciplined to combat the Covid-19 pandemic," he added.