Jasin Correctional Centre placed under EMCO

KUALA LUMPUR: The Jasin Correctional Centre and staff quarters in Melaka will be placed under Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) starting tomorrow, following a surge of Covid-19 cases there.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the EMCO will be in place until Jan 4.

"Based on the advice and risk evaluation by the Health Ministry, it was agreed to implement the EMCO at the Jasin Correctional Centre and staff quarters starting tomorrow until Jan 4, 2021.

"The EMCO will involve 771 individuals of which 603 are detainees and 168 are staff and their families.

"The Standard Operating Procedure at the correctional centre will be the same as announced previously (involving other correctional facilities), including no movement in or out of the centre, with family visitations not allowed," he said in a statement.

As of Dec 19, the Health Ministry has conducted 1,251 screening tests, including second and third screenings and found 133 had tested positive.

The ministry also confirmed the spike in Covid-19 infections occurred among the detainees in a short period of time.