The decision was made following the advice from the health ministry.

Ismail said the EMCO for the Seberang Prai prison and staff quarters will start on Oct 22 and last until Nov 4.

It would affect 3,262 individuals, consisting of 2,110 prisoners and 1,000 staff and family members living in the quarters. In addition, it will affect 120 staff and their family members who are not living in the prison quarters, as well as 32 other staff.

He said prisoners scheduled for release during this period would be isolated and quarantined at the Mara Excellence Training Institute, as decided by the Disaster Management Committee of Penang.

Meanwhile, the PPR Taman Harmoni in Sandakan will go under EMCO from Oct 23 to Nov 5.

The lockdown will affect 870 households consisting of 4,481 residents.

All residents are not allowed to leave their houses except for emergencies such as health reasons or deaths.

“The MOH will be conducting targeted screenings for all residents involved. Food supplies will be distributed by the state government, coordinated by the State Disaster Operations Control Centre.”