KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 — Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today announced today a “slight relaxation” for those stuck elsewhere to return home during the movement control order (MCO), including students in campus and workers who are trapped in their hometown.

In his special address tonight, Muhyiddin said the Higher Education Ministry will detail the procedures for students to be allowed return, but subject to screening to ensure they are not infected with Covid-19 before travelling.

“The government has decided to give some leeway. I repeat. Some leeway, and not too much,” he said.

“Firstly, students in campuses, whom initially were not allowed to return because things were uncertain, and we want to make sure they are safe, God willing, they can now return soon.”

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Muhyiddin said the process to send the students back is being planned by the government, with advice from the Ministry of Health (MOH).

He said that this was because of the sheer number of students; 100,000 of them, and therefore proper planning for them is need to also prevent the risks of infection.

“To the students who are in campuses, God willing, not too long more, you will all return to your families,” he said, adding that parents should also be patient pending the final decision.

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“Secondly, for those of you who are in the your hometowns or elsewhere, and want to return to your homes, the government is considering granting a one-time travel authorisation. This permission is only given to those trapped in their hometowns or elsewhere before the government enforced the first MCO,” he announced.

Muhyiddin said that since the movement will involve a huge number of people, the government is in the midst of collecting data and studying the best way to regulate traffic.

He said that those who want to travel back home, can register online with the police, or make an appointment at any police stations for registration purposes.

“You must also make sure that you are healthy and do not have any symptoms, before starting your journey.

“The detailed information regarding this matter, would be announced by the government soon. This is a slight leeway which has been given for now. I repeat again, slight leeway,” Muhyiddin added.

Earlier today, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that no one will be allowed to return to their hometowns during Ramadan, after some confusion over his announcement yesterday.

He said that people had misunderstood his initial announcement, in which he had stated that those who are currently stuck in their hometowns, after travelling back before the start of the MCO, and want to return to urban areas are required to submit an application at their nearest police station.