COVID-19 | The National Security Council has released the standard operating procedures covering the inter-district travel ban in Sabah which will be in force from today until Oct 16.

The restriction is effective throughout Sabah except for some districts namely Tawau, Lahad Datu, Semporna, and Kunak which are already under a targeted enhanced movement control order (MCO).

Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, and Putatan are categorised as one district.

Under the SOP, emergency cases which require inter-district travel will first need permission from the police.

Schools, kindergartens, higher learning institutions will remain open as will mosques and other houses of worship. Sports activities are also allowed.

However, public gatherings and ceremonies are not allowed except with the permission of the state's Covid-19 Disaster Management Committee.

Under the SOP, taxi, e-hailing, and delivery services will only be allowed to operate from 6am to 8pm.

Similarly, pharmacies, petrol stations, restaurants, sundry shops and convenience stores are also restricted to the same time frame.

Daily markets (pasar harian) are allowed to operate from 6am to 2pm only.

While night markets, wet markets, and wholesale markets are allowed to operate as usual based on the SOP.

Stage busses will continue to operate but not express busses.

The state border is closed except to Sabahans, Sabah Immigration Pass holders, and partners who are involved in providing essential services.

Other than those categories, all travellers will have to obtain special permission from the Sabah state government to enter or leave, the SOP statement read.

All individuals who are allowed to enter Sabah must show a negative RT-PCR test result three days before entering the state.

Vehicles involved in essential services are allowed to enter with permission from the police.

Activities at airports and seaports are allowed under a strict SOP while workers and passengers have to obtain clearance from the police.

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