KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians left stranded from their places of residence following the nationwide enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) on March 18 are allowed to return home between May 1 and May 3.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigations Department director Datuk Huzir Mohamed said that those seeking interstate travel can apply for approval beginning April 26 via the Gerak Malaysia mobile application which can be downloaded from Google Playstore, Apple App Store and Huawei App Gallery.
"Those filling their applications on April 26 would have to update their applications on April 29 to (re-confirm) their travel destinations. Following that, on May 1, they can check their application status on the app.
"All applications must be made via the Gerak Malaysia app. However, those with no access to the app can submit a written application seeking approval for interstate travel at the nearest police station. Priority will be given to those who apply via the app," he said in a statement today.
Huzir said those given permission to travel between states from May 1 to May 3 and road users are required to plan their journey ahead, keeping in mind the conditions set.
Those who will be commuting via the North-South Expressway (Plus), he said, must note that no food facilities are available at the Rest and Recreation areas (R&Rs).
All surau (prayer facilities) will be closed and any prayer activity at the R&Rs will not be allowed, including in any building, open space, parking lot, and others, he added.
"Only public toilet facilities are permitted to operate. Parking areas are only allowed for resting purposes and highway users are not permitted to exit their vehicles during the rest period except to use public toilets.
"Petrol stations will only operate between 6am and midnight along the highway and people are prohibited from engaging in any group activities during the journey.
"A press release on the application procedure via the Gerak Malaysia app will be released today, followed by a press conference on April 29 on state-wide movements to ensure a smooth and orderly journey for all travellers," Huzir added.
On April 23, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had said that those residing in cities are not allowed to return to their hometowns for the fasting month.
He said application for travel from rural to urban areas is allowed – but only for those who have been stranded away from their homes for more than a month.
Travel registration, he said, will be made available via the Gerak Malaysia mobile application, or alternatively, applicants can walk in to any police station.