KUCHING: The 7pm to 7am restriction period imposed in Sarawak during the movement control order (MCO) period is not a curfew, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.
He clarified that the restriction was in line with the new operating hours of 7am to 7pm for markets, supermarkets, eateries, convenience stores and fuel stations.
“There is no curfew. A curfew can only be ordered by the National Security Council.
“What happened is that there is a directive that people should not go out after 7pm. If you need to go out, you need a permit,” Uggah told reporters after inspecting the Bau palm oil mill here on Wednesday (March 25).
Those exempted by the new regulations are frontline delivery staff and medical personnel, as well as journalists.
He said media personnel would be allowed to travel within the restricted hours by showing their media passes, while private sector employers in essential services could issue letters for their workers.
However, those in the agriculture, livestock and fishery sectors do not need permits to send their produce to the market.
“But the police will monitor their lorries to make sure that they go back after delivering their products,” Uggah said.
He also said compliance with the MCO was “very good” in the state.
“This morning, we were informed by the police that compliance is about 95% in Sarawak, and we hope it will continue. It means that Sarawakians are vigilant.
“It’s very important because this is not for other people but for yourself and your family. So stay at home to avoid getting infected,” he said.
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