Malaysia's MOH clarifies details on cross-state travel ahead of Aidilfitri 2021

The Ministry noted that this would depend on a risk assessment of the current COVID-19 situation, including the trend in daily cases, rate of infections, and more.

Malaysia's Ministry of Health (MOH) has shared a short update regarding cross-state travel in the country, in light of the upcoming Aidilfitri season. 

In a Facebook post on Sunday (21 March), the Ministry noted a recent update by Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who said in a press conference that cross-state travel will be allowed depending on a risk assessment by MOH. 

According to MOH, a risk assessment is where the Ministry will take a look at the "current infection situation and the probability of infection transmission becoming more severe, or vice versa."

It involves six key factors, namely: 

1. Daily case situations including cases that have been cured and allowed to return;
2. Trends and rates of infections;
3. The current situation involving the death rate and the number of death cases;
4. The capacity of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds and wards in the hospital
5. The current situation of infected health workers; and
6. Screening tests conducted in the field, screening for diseases such as influenza, severe acute respiratory infections and pre -surgical sampling, as well as ward admission.

MOH reviews all data and facts before advising or making a recommendation to the Technical Committee, for a decision to be made at the Special Meeting of the National Security Council.

This risk assessment is conducted "from time to time." According to the Ministry, the current situation shows a downward trend, although inconsistent, but still it is still early.

"Given that the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme has just been underway, public health activities are most effective at beating the infection curve. If the high adherence to the SOP shown by all of us at this time continues, it is not impossible that the joy of returning to the village to celebrate Aidilfitri will be felt this year," it said.

Based on the latest March 2021 SOPs, movement within PKPB/CMCO areas is permitted. Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are considered one zone, thus cross-movement is allowed. 

However, movement to other PKPB/CMCO areas, MCO/PKP, RMCO/PKPP and EMCO/PKPD areas is not permitted, except with the Royal Malaysia Police's permission.

Read the SOPs here.

Photo / 123RF