KUALA LUMPUR: Labuan will be the first among federal territories and states in the country to move into Phase Four of the National Recovery Plan.
In announcing this yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said 92.4 per cent of the adult population in the federal territory had been fully vaccinated as of Aug 23.
He said daily new cases on the island have steadily remained at single digits for the last 12 days.
"The bed utilisation rate at Intensive Care Units (ICU) in Labuan has dropped from 30 per cent in previous months to zero now.
"In line with the Health Ministry's advice and the National Security Council Special Committee's decision, the government has decided to announce the transition of Labuan from Phase Three to Phase Four of the National Recovery Plan.
"Among the relaxations that Labuan residents can benefit from this transition is that all economic sectors are allowed to operate, subject to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that will be enforced.
"Seminars, workshops, courses and activities involving physical meetings will be allowed at 50 per cent capacity.
"Social events such as wedding feasts, celebration of festivals, engagement, retreats, reunions and other social events are allowed at 50 per cent capacity based on the capacity of the premise/hall and that physical distancing must be practised.
"All these (activities) will be permitted, subject to SOP that will be enforced," he said in a statement today.
To date, Labuan is the only territory in the country that has fully vaccinated over 90 per cent of its adult population.
This is followed by Sarawak (85.4 per cent), Klang Valley (85.2 per cent), Negri Sembilan (72.3 per cent) and Perlis (62.4 per cent).
Sabah ranks last in the chart, with only 31.4 per cent of the adult population having completed two doses of vaccination.
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri also announced that Negri Sembilan will transition to Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan since the state is on the right track to achieving herd immunity soon.
"For Negri Sembilan, the Covid-19 situation has improved with bed utilisation rate at ICU wards dropping from 120 per cent (end of May) to lower than 40 per cent on Monday (Aug 23).
"This development is in tandem with vaccination rate being increased in the state after 72.3 per cent of its adult population completed their two vaccine doses.
"Negri Sembilan residents will enjoy similar relaxations as the other states that have moved to Phase Two, such as inter-district travel for individuals who have completed two vaccine doses.
"Long-distance married couples who have been fully vaccinated can cross district to meet each other.
"Parents who have been fully vaccinated can travel interstate to visit their children who are below 18 years old.
"Prayers will be allowed at mosques and surau for fully vaccinated individuals, subject to the regulations and SOP set by state religious authorities.
"Religious activities at other places of worship are subject to the SOP set by the National Unity Ministry.
"Only fully vaccinated customers are allowed to dine in at restaurants, stalls and eateries, while premises owners must display a notice that they will only accept fully vaccinated customers.
"Tourism activities involving homestays and hotels are allowed within the same state for fully vaccinated individuals," he said.
Both Labuan and Negri Sembilan will progress into Phase Four and Phase Two, respectively, on Thursday.