He said the government is fully aware of the consequences of the interstate travel ban on the economy, and hence allowance has been made to permit some travel to necessitate business.

“But we can’t be too comfortable with the current situation as we are at the 1,000-cases level. During the first lockdown, we had about 300-odd cases. Now it’s 1,000.

“In Italy and France, their cases have gone up as high as 20,000 cases a day. This has caused them to go through a lockdown again.

“Although the situation is under control, Covid-19 is still a threat. We will wait for a decision by the health ministry, which will decide on interstate travel based on a risk analysis,” he said on the sidelines of a function here today.

Ismail warned of stern action against those “buying” travel permits, pre-stamped with a police seal. He said action will also be taken against police officers selling permits.

Separately, he said, Umno’s elections can be postponed up to 18 months, as this is allowed in the party constitution.

This followed calls by several party leaders for the polls to be held next month, as the three-year tenure for office-bearers will end then.

Ismail, who is also an Umno vice-president, urged those who want party elections to wait for a decision by the Supreme Council.

On the issue of Sabah and Sarawak being called “territories”, Ismail said it was best for this matter to be referred to the National Security Council (MKN).

“I’m not the MKN chairman or its director-general. I’m the defence minister. If there is a war, that involves me, but in time of peace, then there’s no issue (for me).

“Many assume that MKN is under me. I just chair MKN’s meetings related to ministerial Covid-19 responses.”