No 10km restriction for those with medical reasons

SERDANG: Those who need to travel for medical purposes are exempted from the 10km limit imposed during the movement control order (MCO) period, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.

Exceptions could be given to those who need to travel beyond the allowed 10km radius for medical treatment or supplies, he added.

“There is no reason to stop those who are travelling for medical purposes.

“We are aware that in places like Sabah and Sarawak, the locations to get medical help are far away.

“There should not be any problem. If you are questioned by the authorities, just inform them your purpose and that you need to get medical help or supplies, ” he told reporters after visiting the ministry’s quarantine centre for low-risk Covid-19 patients at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park (MAEPS) here.

Under the federal gazette on movement control conditions, people are not allowed to travel more than 10km from their residence if they want to buy food or daily necessities.

The travel limit was enforced during the second phase of the MCO which began on April 1.

As of now, MAEPS is almost ready to serve as an additional quarantine facility for Covid-19 patients.

During a media visit organised by the Health Ministry and National Anti-Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), the facility is already equipped with hundreds of beds to be used by patients.

Once completed, Hall A and Hall C at the facility will be able to house a total of 604 patients.

Dr Adham said that currently the existing Covid-19 hospitals are still below capacity and can accommodate the ever-increasing number of patients.

The centre will only house “low-risk” Covid-19 patients – which means those who are Covid-19 positive but are either asymptomatic or have mild symptoms.

“Patients from within Klang Valley as well as neighbouring Negri Sembilan or Perak can be transferred to this facility to receive ‘step-down care’ until they fully recover, ” said Dr Adham.

Besides beds and desks, patients who are at the quarantine centre will have access to WiFi, TV and computers.

They will be allowed to mingle around with other patients but are restricted from exiting the centre.