Hours after Sarawak decided to stop following the rest, Sabah decided to buck the current trends and will allow visiting family members and cemeteries on Hari Raya. Hours after Sarawak decided not to follow a mobility control order (MCO).

However, open houses and functions will be prohibited, the state government announced yesterday evening.

Only 20 relatives will be permitted to visit the house from 9 am to 9 pm. The host also needs to prepare the MySejahtera QR code for registration.

State Covid-19 spokesman Masidi Manjun has also said that only six individuals will be permitted 30 minutes per grave.

“The new SOPs will be gazetted tomorrow and will be in effect until June 7,” he said.

Prayers in mosques and suraus are permitted, and congregants are only allowed to enjoy packed food.

Masidi said children under 12 years of age and groups at high risk are prohibited from taking part in such activities, while the prayers of Aidilfitri are discouraged for women.

“However, these activities will not be allowed in areas under the enhanced movement control order.”

With this, Masidi said that from today to 16 May tourism activities in districts would be allowed.

Tourism activities between the districts and inter-zones will take place from May 17 to June 7; however, the tour operators must arrange it and the state Disaster Management Committee Covid-19 should obtain permission.

Social activities, including marriages and receptions, religious events, birthday parties, seminars, and conventions remain prohibited.

“However, solemnization ceremonies will be allowed but the number of guests and SOPS will be determined by religious authorities for the Muslims.”

Sabah's decision to allow Hari Raya visits contradicts the Federal government's ban on such activities, which was announced in conjunction with the announcement of a three-week nationwide MCO schedule, which begins today.

Sarawak has opted out of an MCO and will be subject to a conditional MCO.