The interdistrict travel ban exemptions will be significantly scaled back when the total lockdown takes effect next Tuesday (June 1).

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) letter that previously granted workers permission to travel across districts will expire after May 31.

He said those who are considered "essential services" workers will have to get a new permission letter from the relevant ministries.

However, for industries already under Miti, they may continue using their existing Miti letter to travel to work if they are part of the essential services.

He added that the special exemption given to long-distance spouses will also be revoked.

Previously, spouses who work in different states are allowed to travel to meet.

“Everyone needs to sacrifice. There are those who have to close their business or factories for two weeks...