KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 — Putrajaya announced today an administrative enhanced movement control order (EMCO) will be imposed on the Kota Setar district in Kedah after a spike in Covid-19 cases.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that since cases in Kedah, including the Tawar, Sivagangga, and Sungai cluster were increasing, the special committee has decided to impose the administrative EMCO.

"We agreed on the administrative EMCO today to be implemented in Kota Setar from 12.01am tomorrow until September 25.

"Around 366,787 people in 28 townships will be affected by this,” said Ismail during his security briefing today.

Apart from that, the international entry point at Bukit Kayu Hitam will be shut down for the duration of the administrative EMCO.

No one will be allowed to travel in and out of the state throughout the period, with religious centres also ordered to shut down and study sessions suspended.

Also to be closed are universities, kindergartens, and vocational and skills training centres.

Only essential stores will be allowed to opened, including food providers, grocery stores, petrol stations, clinics and hospitals.

Clinics and hospitals are allowed to operate for 24 hours, while food providers are only allowed to have take-away and no dine-in guests.

"The EMCO here is the same as elsewhere,” said Ismail.

"The authorities will be placing restrictions on travel and will be conducting roadblocks to ensure no one travels in and out of the state without proper documentation.

"As for those who need to travel abroad to work, you may not do so now. As for employers, be aware of this ruling and do not take any action against your staff. This is a decision made by the government and we encourage you to let them work from home.

Besides that, all sporting, social and recreational activities are disallowed, said Ismail.

Factories that are operating now will need to get permission from the authorities to continue operations.

Pharmacies and places similar to it are allowed to open until 8pm. Petrol stations and grocery stores can open from 8am until 8pm. All night markets are not allowed to open.

"Only the daily markets will be open and that will be from 6am until 2pm only.

"Only the head of the family or one person per family is allowed to go out to buy supplies while vehicles carrying essential goods will be allowed to go in and out of the state.

"Also, all ferry operations will be halted. We urge the public to use alternative modes of transportation,”he added.