Zone-based SOP to be tabled at special Cabinet meeting on Thursday (April 9), says Ismail Sabri

PUTRAJAYA: A standard operating procedure based on zones with Covid-19 cases will be tabled to the special Cabinet committee meeting on Thursday (April 9), says Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri.

He said the tabling of the SOP will be done by the National Security Council (NSC) together with the Home Ministry.

He said the procedure will see how to address issues affecting the movement of the people as well as business operations without jeopardising the measures in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

"The SOP is also for post movement control order (MCO) to prepare us for the days ahead after April 14 (the end of the second phase of the MCO)," he said on Tuesday (April 7).

Ismail Sabri, however, pointed out that no decision has been made on whether the MCO will be extended or lifted after the second phase ends on April 14.

He said the SOP is needed to ensure what happens in certain countries which has lifted its restriction order, happens in Malaysia.

For instance, he said the NSC and Home Ministry will determine if it is wise to allow people in green zones (where no Covid-19 positive cases are reported) be allowed to go out of the area as there are concerns that movements may turn the area into amber or even red.

"All this will have to be studied. We know that the people are restless after being confined to their homes for a month.

"But we don't want to allow people to move freely and later have to reverse the decision and impose a longer MCO," he said.