KOTA BARU: After more than three months of being in Phase 2, Kelantan is ready to transition into Phase 3 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) beginning tomorrow.
State Local Government, Health and Housing Committee chairman Dr Izani Husin is confident that people in the state would continue to abide by the standard operating procedures (SOP).
"What I can advise locals is that they must continue to adhere to the SOPs and the important thing is that they should never leave out double-masking and ensure it is followed at all times.
"Moving from Phase 2 to Phase 3 does not mean that we are now safe and free from Covid-19.
"The government only allows activities to reopen but this does not mean people can enjoy themselves or go places without following the SOPs," he told reporters today.
Dr Izani said police would also play their part by conducting checking to ensure people do not flout the SOPs.
"We are heading to the endemic period and hopefully the people can cope with this.
"Many people are praying for our economic sectors to recover from the pandemic and this can be seen in the state's tourism sector.
"The number of flights at the Sultan Ismail Petra airport in Pengkalan Chepa has increased with almost 20 flights operating daily recently," he added.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced recently that Kelantan, Perak, Penang, Sabah and Kedah would move from Phase 2 to Phase 3 effective tomorrow.
Ismail Sabri had said the decision was made based on the dip in fresh Covid-19 infections, decline in overall infectivity rate, or R-naught, and the high adult vaccination rate.
Meanwhile, with the lifting of the interstate travel ban, many have been returning to Kelantan ahead of the Maulidur Rasul celebration this Tuesday.
State police chief Datuk Shafien Mamat said since last Thursday, police recorded over 30,000 motorists returning to Kelantan.
"The numbers have increased drastically but we expect more will be coming this week especially this Tuesday."
Shafien said the 154 teams set up to check on SOP compliance following the removal of the interstate travel ban would continue monitoring the situation closely.
Checks at several main roads to the town area saw traffic congestion at Jalan Kuala Krai, Wakaf Che Yeh and Jalan Hamzah.
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/10/737308/kelantan-all-geared-enter-phase-3
