After the Restricted Movement Order (RMO) was announced on March 16 and interstate travel requires special permits approved by the police station, Malaysians who are desperate to return to their hometowns before the movement control order takes effect formed long queues at their nearest police stations to obtain the travel permits. A large number of people were even seen queueing in front of shops to photocopy their identity documents.

The unexpected crowd had led the police to back down on the decision for the travel restriction, allowing Malaysians to move between state lines freely before March 18.

However, this does not mean that the restriction is lifted. Interstate traveling during the RMO is still banned, the police have clarified. Only those who face certain situations will be given the special permit, as reported by the New Straits Times. This said, NOT everyone who requests a permit to travel interstate will be issued one.

According to an official statement by Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador, the people are only allowed to travel across states under special circumstances like the death of a close family member, critical illness of a close relative, the requirement of medical treatment for themselves or a close family member and other situations that will be weighed by the police.

Source: New Straits Times

So, what do you think of the police’s decision to restrict our movements from state to state during this period? Is it necessary or not needed? Let us know in the comment!