Amid a continued surge in Covid-19 cases, Malaysia’s Sabah state has imposed a border control banning travel between the state and the peninsula, Sarawak, and Labuan from October 12-25.

Exceptions will be granted for special cases such as emergencies, death in the family, and provision of essential services.

Senior minister (security cluster), Ismail Sabri Yaakob, said those who receive permission to travel must undergo Covid-19 screening conducted by the Health Ministry as soon as they arrive at their destination.

Those allowed entry into Sabah includes Sabahans who are code “H” MyKad holders, spouses of Sabahans with valid immigration passes or with proof of marriage and birth certificate, those working in essential services and holding valid immigration passes, members of the federal civil service who are posted to the state, as well as non-Sabahan students with student cards or passes issued by the state immigration department.

Anyone entering Sabah must undergo Covid-19 screening upon their arrival.

On October 6, Sabah recorded 219 Covid-19 cases out of the 691 new cases reported in the country – the highest single-day spike, which has prompted the federal government to consider limiting large congregations such as weddings and public gatherings to curb its spread.

Sabah’s capital, Kota Kinabalu, as well as the districts of Penampang and Putatan, have been placed under a conditional movement control order from midnight today (October 7), in efforts to flatten the curve. This means no one will be allowed to enter or exit the three districts except for those in essential services, including factories.

Restaurants are not allowed to receive dine-in customers and business operating hours for restaurants, food stalls, petrol stations, convenience shops and pharmacies will be shortened from 06.00 to 18.00 during this period.