Malaysians planning to return from their hometowns after the easing of the movement control order can expect to begin their journey from between May 7 and May 10.

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said police have set the dates to accommodate over 500,000 applications received to travel back to major city centres.

"As I have explained before, we will allow Malaysians trapped in their hometowns to return to the city.

"Therefore the police will prepare a travel schedule for their journey," said the senior minister in charge of the security cluster at the daily National Security Council Covid-19 press conference in Putrajaya.

"The police will issue a statement with details on when, where and others.

"But on the when, I can say today that it will begin on May 7 and end on May 10," he said.

Ismail Sabri (above) also urged civil servants in particular to not rush home to start work this Monday, as permission has been given for them to only return to the office after the travel date set by the police.

"For example, if their schedule falls on Friday, they can wait until Friday and only resume work next Monday," he added.

Ismail Sabri, who confirmed that the leeway for civil servants has been approved by Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Zuki Ali, also urged for private sector employers to allow the same consideration.

"Today I would also like to urge for the cooperation of private sector employers... don't take action against employees who start work next Monday.

"I hope there will be no private sector employees who face action from their employers, because it is not their decision but based on the schedule by the police," he said.

Even with the easing of the MCO beginning May 12, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, in a special address yesterday, said that restrictions on interstate travel will remain, including against travels during the upcoming Hari Raya celebration at the end of this month. 

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