by S BIRRUNTHA/ pic by BERNAMA

THE National Security Council (MKN) has not prescribed a policy which requires anyone entering a condominium or any residential area to undergo Covid-19 swab test.  

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said however, condominium l managements or residential areas are not prevented from requiring foreigners to undergo swab test beforehand, to ensure the safety of residents.

“It all depends on the management of the condominium or any residential area to conduct the test or not. I find many misunderstandings, including politicians trying to manipulate my answer.

“I want to clarify further that in fact, it is related to foreign tenants and not locals,” he said in a statement today.

The minister added that condominiums and closed residentials are “private” areas in which management bodies can make rules of their own.

He noted that they can also restrict visitors from entering their condominiums. 

“In Sarawak, for example, there are longhouses which do not allow outsiders to enter to maintain the safety of the residents,” he said.

 
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri also clarified to sultans of several states who spoke on out the standard operating procedure (SOP) regarding mosques and numbers of people allowed inside. 

“This is in line with the statement I had issued that the subject of Islam is under the jurisdiction of the state religious authorities under the auspices of the respective sultans.  

“Therefore, I hope all parties uphold the command of the sultans and stop disputing the SOP for mosques,” he said.

On another note, Ismail Sabri announced that the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) in Blok Gemilang, Blok Harapan, Blok Jaya dan Blok Abadi (PKRC) in Kamunting Correctional Centre (KEMTA), Taiping, Perak has been lifted today.

The same went for the EMCO in Kejora Juara workers’ hostel in Bukit Pasir, Muar. 

On the Movement Control Order (MCO) violations, a total of 413 individuals had been arrested yesterday for various offences, of which a majority of them were for crossing state and district borders without permission.  

Under Ops Benteng, the authorities have detained 32 illegal immigrants and seized two land vehicles.

All 652 individuals who arrived at all international entrances yesterday have been sent to quarantine centres nationwide. 

Meanwhile, a total of 7,217 foreign workers have undergone screening tests yesterday of which 116 people were confirmed positive for Covid-19.