KUALA LUMPUR:The government is extending the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) in six localities in Semporna and one locality in Kunak from October 24 to November 6.

Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said it involved Kampung Bangau-Bangau, Kampung Panji, Kampung Air, Kampung Selamat, Kampung Simunul, Kampung Pinggir Bakau in Semporna and one locality in Kunak, namely Kampung Pangkalan.

Ismail Sabri said the extension was following a risk assessment conducted by the Ministry of Health (MOH) which found that there was still a contagion of COVID-19 cases in the area.

"However, some flexibility will be given to the grocery store business to operate from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm to give residents the opportunity to buy basic necessities," he said at a daily press conference on the development of the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) on Thursday.

He added that the extension was needed for the purpose of enabling continuous screening by the MOH and to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the localities.

Earlier, the government announced the implementation of EMCO in the locality which started on October 11 and should end on October 24.