KOTA TINGGI: The government will make an announcement on whether interstate travel will be allowed for Hari Raya Aidilfitri during the month of Ramadan, says Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The Defence Minister said the decision on whether to allow interstate travel or not would depend on the assessment made by the Health Ministry.
“When the government allowed interstate travel, some 31 Covid-19 clusters were recorded from those travelling, and we do not want another repeat.
“The Health Ministry is always looking at the risk assessment report before making any decision, but I urge them to make an announcement soon, ” he added.
Ismail Sabri said this during a press conference after conducting a working visit to the Pulada Army camp here on Saturday (April 10).
When asked when was a suitable time for the government to make such an announcement, he said it is most likely to happen during Ramadan.
“Whether the government allows interstate travel or not, the decision will be announced as soon as possible, as we want to avoid people rushing to buy bus or plane tickets to balik kampung, ” he said.
Muslims in Malaysia and around the world are expected to welcome the fasting month on Tuesday (April 13).
On March 27, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the government would decide soon on whether to allow interstate travel during the Hari Raya celebrations.
He added that the government would review the matter and make an announcement when the time is right.
Muhyiddin said it might be possible to visit neighbours during Hari Raya, but he did not indicate whether interstate travel would be allowed then.