Truth to be told, there are plenty of questions that have not yet been answered regarding interstate travel during the Movement Control Order period even though the government has asked the public to register their interest through the Gerak Malaysia app.
One of them is making the interstate travel via flights. This is rather interesting because Malaysia Airlines have started flying to East Malaysia again few weeks ago while Malindo Air has also resumed its domestic flights today and AirAsia will also do the same starting from 29 April onwards.
Somehow, the answer regarding air travel comes from the Ministry of Transportation (MoT). According to its official statement, members of the public that want to make interstate travel using public transportation including air flights will have to obtain interstate travel permit from PDRM.
In fact, MoT recommends the public to get the permit first before buying the air ticket to avoid any monetary losses. Additionally, the agency also pointed out that only those who have valid reasons for make the interstate travel should apply for the permit.
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In the same statement, MoT also reminded the public to adhere to the guideline provided by the Ministry of Health during their flight including social distancing, good hygiene, and make sure to wear face mask at all times which has been made compulsory anyway by all three airlines that we mentioned above.
However, we do not think that this is the definitive answer to the issue regarding interstate air travel during MCO. The Senior Minister (Security Clutster), Ismail Sabri Yaakob has stated during the Q&A session at today’s media briefing that PDRM will provide more details regarding the finalized standard operating procedures for interstate travel very soon.
Minister Ismail also said that an FAQ will be published by PDRM to answer common questions regarding it but all these clarifications will likely to be available only after 1 May.
So, all in all, there is nothing concrete about the interstate travel permit as of today, 27 April. The only thing that there is to do right now is to either register your interest via the Gerak Malaysia app or submit a written application at the nearest police station.
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