State governments are advised to consult the Malaysian National Security Council (NSC) in making any current decisions related to security issues.
Senior Minister (Security), Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said it is due to some states acting to make their own decisions that are outside the direction of the federal government.
“Some states make their own decisions to cancel and do not allow some business activities and social activities.
“Some do not allow barbershops to operate, children’s playgrounds are closed. Some states plan to close certain villages, possibly under the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO).
“So I appeal to the relevant states, please refer first to the Special Meeting of Ministers in terms of whether we allow it or not,” he said in a press conference today.
Ismail explained that he took the example of the Sarawak government which had applied for Federal permission to implement cross-zone restrictions before.
He added that when the state government introduces a regulatory law and it is not approved by the NSC and the Ministry of Health (MOH), then the implementation of the law cannot be enforced.
“The police, for example, to control and take action, only comply with the instructions issued by the federal government. The police will refer to the source of power. The source of power under the MOH under Act 342 is the federal government.
“So if they implement (and) action is taken, (then) their action can actually be challenged in court,” he added.
Source: BERNAMA TV