The authorities have announced that Targeted Enhanced Movement Control Order (TEMCO) will be enforced in certain areas of the state starting 12.01am tonight.
The areas include Lahad Datu, Tawau, Kunak and Semporna.
According to a statement issued by Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the decision was made following recommendations made by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
"The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) has confirmed that there are 1,195 positive cases of COVID-19 infection in Lahad Datu, Tawau, Kunak and Semporna districts during the period 1 to 27 September 2020.
"Of that number, Lahad Datu recorded 241 cases, Tawau (634 cases), Kunak (65 cases) and Semporna (255 cases).
"Taking into account the number of such cases, the government on the advice of the Minister of Health has decided to implement the direction of the Targeted Enhanced Movement Control Order (PKPDB) administratively in these areas," he said in the statement.
The TEMCO will involve a total of 962,661 people and will end on 12 October.
Ismail Sabri said that the implementation of the TEMCO was done to curb rising infection rates as well as to enable targetting case tracking.
The TEMCO rules
For residents in the said areas, TEMCO regulations include:
• That all residents not be allowed to leave the TEMCO area during the enforcement period.
• Non-residents and visitors not allowed to enter the four districts involved during the enforcement period.
• All business activities stopped except for essential goods and services.
• Medical Base to opened at the TEMCO area.
• All entrances and exits closed.
The minister added that to ensure compliance, officials from PDRM, the armed forces, The Malaysian Civil Defence Force, RELA and the local authorities will work together to control the said areas.
"All residents should remain calm and give their full cooperation to the staff from MOH and comply to instructions by the authorities," he said.
It's really sudden but if you're a resident and need assistance or have questions pertaining to the matter, you can contact the District Police Headquarters at:
Lahad Datu: 089-881255
Tawau: 089-752222
Kunak: 089-851222
Semporna: 089-782020
Just listen to the instructions and let's all do our part in containing and controlling COVID-19.