In a press conference, he said this also applies to those living in green zones under a conditional movement control order (CMCO) who want to travel to other green zones.
“For example, Negeri Sembilan is a red zone, except Tampin. Tampin is green. So we will allow those in Tampin wanting to go to Pahang. But since they must travel through red zones, they must obtain permission from the police.
“Also, they are not allowed to stop by in any red zones while on the way there. They must head directly to their destination,” he said, adding that this ruling comes into effect from Nov 22 onwards.
The same will apply to holidaymakers travelling within and between states currently under the recovery MCO.
“For example, if someone wants to travel from Pahang to Johor, they might be forced to go through Negeri Sembilan. So they must get approval from the police first.”
The MySejahtera app will be one method to determine whether a traveller really comes from a green zone, while the full SOPs will be released by the tourism, arts and culture ministry soon.
Ismail said there were no plans to require travellers in CMCO states to undergo an antigen rapid test before travelling.
He said Putrajaya was greatly concerned about the tourism industry as it had been badly hit by the travel ban brought by the pandemic. Foreign tourists had been barred entry and the transport sector and hotels had to suffer as a result.
Previously, tourism industry leaders had welcomed a proposal to allow travel between “green zones” as the current ban on interstate travel was a death blow to their business.
Ismail also said tertiary students at university campuses who wanted to return home were allowed to do so after obtainng permission from the police, although they were encouraged to remain on campus.
“It’s safer to be in their campus since there are no infections. But we won’t limit their movement.
“For students in Sabah, for example, they’re allowed to go back, as long as they comply with the conditions, namely getting tested upon return and being quarantined for 14 days.
“But I’ve been made to understand that their holiday term hasn’t started yet. They still need to attend to their studies. That’s why they’re encouraged to stay on at their campuses.”
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