Long-distance married couples are allowed to travel interstate to meet their spouses starting from Wednesday (27 Jan), said Malaysia’s Senior Minister for Security Ismail Sabri.
He said this in his daily movement control order (MCO) press conference on Tuesday (26 Jan), stating that the Government has agreed to relax the rules in a special National Security Council (MKN) meeting earlier on Monday (25 Jan).
“Married couples who live far away from each other can now meet their family, provided that they get permission and approval from the police,” said Ismail Sabri, who is also the Minister of Defence.
“The same rule applies to others, we do allow interstate travel if there is an emergency but they would have to get permission from the police before doing so,” he added.
Ismail Sabri also advised those with symptoms to seek treatment first, go for a screening, or postpone their travel so they do not risk their family getting infected with COVID-19.
Over on social media, many netizens were opposed of this leniency, with one saying that national interests should be prioritised, adding that this announcement “will not help the objectives of MCO”.
Some users also called out the Government’s decision saying that this move could be a risk of getting people in rural area infected with the virus. Several others expressed their anger saying that the Government is toying with the public by dilly-dallying the MCO rules.
A handful of netizens also questioned the reasoning behind this sudden relaxing of rule, with some calling it a political stunt, adding that the MCO imposed is “just to prolong” the Government officials’ political expediency.
One user even brought up about the COVID-19 vaccine, asking when will the citizens be able to get vaccinated so everyone can return to their normal life.
A few others also penned their frustrations, as they questioned whether other family members will also be allowed to travel interstate to visit their home after being away for an extended period of time.
Meanwhile, a couple of netizens advised members of the public to “do their part and just stay at home”. They also suggested that video call would suffice as a means of communicating with one another, adding that it is imperative to “think of all people, not just certain individuals”.
