Administrative EMCO in Kedah district after spike in virus cases

The government will enforce an administrative enhanced movement control order (EMCO) in 28 areas in Kota Setar, Kedah from 12.01am tomorrow until Sept 25.

Senior Minister for Security Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this would involve a total of 366,787 residents.

He said the matter was decided at a special meeting today after taking into account the increase in Covid-19 cases involving the Sungai and Tawar clusters in the district.

“This is also in line with the proposal made by the Kedah menteri besar,” he said in a press conference at Putrajaya.

Ismail added that the SOPs in the district would be the same as those in other areas under administrative EMCO, including entry and exit bans with roadblocks manned by the police and Armed Forces.

“Individuals who need to work are not allowed to leave the area during the administrative EMCO, and those from outside are also not allowed to come to work in the area.

“I hope employers will not take action if any of their workers cannot come to work because they reside in the affected areas, and allow their employees to work from home,” he said.

He said the international entry point in Bukit Kayu Hitam would also be shut down, while all ferry operations at the Kuala Kedah jetty will be halted.

Mosques and houses of worship as well as educational institutions are also required to close.

Only essential services are allowed to operate, such as eateries, grocery shops, petrol stations, pharmacies, clinics and hospitals.