PUTRAJAYA, June 9 — Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd has no authority to change regulations on social distancing in its trains and stations, said Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said the government understood the losses incurred by the company due to the reduction in the number of passengers following the order (on social distancing to curb the spread of COVID-19), but the policies made by the government could not be changed to suit their needs.
“They can’t simply change the regulation and if they want to make any changes, they need to apply to the National Security Council (NSC), and not suddenly make an announcement (on their decision),” he said at the daily press conference today.
He pointed out that the reduced number of passengers due to the social distancing directive was not only felt by the train services but also by the airline industry.
“When we set a limit of only 66 percent passenger capacity for aircraft, the airline companies also incurred losses.
“We understand and are discussing the matter but do not make your own decisions without referring to the government because it is wrong,” he said when commenting on a statement issued by the company which said that it would stop social distancing measures in its trains and stations from tomorrow (June 10).
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said the government would only allow certain cases of foreigners wishing to enter the country and Malaysians wanting to travel abroad to get approval from the Immigration Department.
“We still do not allow foreigners in, except for diplomats, expatriates and participants of the Malaysia My Second Home.
“For Malaysians wanting to travel overseas, we are also closing the door on them but we have lots of applications, for example from students who have to return to their universities overseas to sit for examinations,” he said.
Source: BERNAMA