Sabah Agrees With Federal Govt’s New Ruling After Serious Consideration

Sabah now allows for two household members to share one vehicle to shop for essential everyday items. Initially, the state had not proceeded with the latest ruling issued by the Federal Government for Phase 4 of the Movement Control Order (MCO) due to concerns of any adverse effects it might have on its citizens’ wellbeing.

The state government came to a conclusion to allow the new rule to be applied after a meeting was held at the Sabah COVID-19 Command Centre earlier today on 30 April 2020.

“In accordance with the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within Infected Local Areas) (No. 4) Regulations 2020, one is allowed to be accompanied by another person to go out and obtain essential items such as food, medicine and any need, provided that the accompanying person is living in the same house,” said Sabah state secretary Datuk Safar Untong in a statement.

Additionally, he added that an individual could be accompanied by any other person as may be deemed reasonably necessary in terms of requiring healthcare and medical services as well. Prior to this, Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal told reporters that two people travelling in one vehicle would only be allowed for specific purposes.

On another note, the Sarawak government confirmed that it will also follow the latest national ruling in the state as announced by deputy chief minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas earlier today.